I’ve been thinking about what to write next…usually I have no idea but when the Spirit strikes and the spark is lit, I just go with it. Like right now. Today I’ve had on my mind, EXCHANGE. What is proper exchange? IS there such a thing, if so, why? When do you know that you’ve done all you could to give back to others that have given to you or is this exchange limitless?
These are really tough questions in today’s society. With all the charities, non-profits, give-away programs, volunteerism, etc how does one really know why, when, and how much to exchange? So, I’ll be writing a little bit about exchange and your input would be greatly appreciated. Don’t be bashful…this is just communication! lol
In my viewpoint, when one gives of themselves either of their talent/skill, money, or time to help you accomplish something or to be a better person, don’t you think that the ‘right’ thing to do would be to re-pay that person? Somehow, someway, some time?
There’s that Pay It Forward gesture that I can bring up as an example. If everyone really paid it forward, then this would be a different world entirely. But somewhere along the line, the gesture stops and for different reasons. Busy with life, forgetfulness, kids, chores, work, lack of morals, etc might be some of the answers. I’ve noticed with myself lately that I try to look for things to do for other people NOT expecting for the gesture to be returned. Usually I find I am pleasantly surprised as when I need that whatever us returned to me; it is right there to be had. It’s just MAGIC how that works! BUT…AND…
The bible states that ‘God loves a cheerful giver’ in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. It is also a natural and spiritual law that when you outflow more than you inflow, you reap abundantly and besides that, it’s holier to outflow, too. If you are a tither and give a certain percent of your salary or money that you make to your church or favorite group, then do you do so cheerfully and with enthusiasm? Paul states in Corinthians, “Not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Give because you love to give and seeing the results of your giving brings great joy!
Make sure that what or who you give your talent, time or skill to is worthy and will be responsible with what you give. That just builds RESPECT. To give to others, say like those on welfare, without expecting any form of exchange, then some kind of criminal is being formed here. It eats at their spirit…their conscience. And when it happens so much, that conscience is hardened. Those folks believe they are ENTITLED to a hand-out now even if there is no form of exchange given. Welfare is suppose to be temporary and for those really needing an extra push when they can’t do it for themselves. But there should be some exchange involved in some kind of contract, if only in verbal form. What about all those free e-books or downloads you get? Do you ever think about giving an honest review to help that author or illustrator out? I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated! And it doesn’t take much time to do either.
Exchange builds trust, earns respect and is a gesture of love. It is a gift that can be unexpected (like Pay it Forward) or can be something expected, too. It really depends upon the circumstances. To give freely without expectation of return is to live with a “no strings attached’ attitude and can set yourself up for trouble depending upon the person or group you are helping. See RESPONSIBILITY above. But it’s nice knowing that with giving comes receiving…sometime, somewhere.
Why put off doing for others, being in right exchange, when you can do so right now? Is there someone that’s helped you get out of a tight spot at some point in your life? Is there a group that’s helped you overcome a weakness or helped a family member or friends? Is there someone you could thank and help by giving something of yourself? So before time runs out…why not get in some proper exchange?
Definition of “Exchange.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, May 2018, 7PM, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exchange.
Mary Rensberry 
I like your points above and quite agree. Also one of the criteria I use to determine which groups to donate to has to do with their statistics. Not statistics that are based on PR only , but statistics that measure valueble final products. If we are going to make it in this world those that are getting the show on the road are the one that should be helped.
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Thanks for your comments, Bob! And good points about using statistics to determine which groups to support. It would be cool if statistics were actually made available to the general public on how well the group’s are doing with getting the show on the road. How does one get a group’s statistics?
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How does one get a groups statistics is a very good question. To me the “look don’t listen” quote comes to mind. What I look for is what the person or group actually produces and how they produce it. This is where value comes into play and a two part question and answer comes to mind. Do they produce something of actual value? If so, does producing this thing, do more harm in other areas of life than the value of the product? In a perfect world (there can be no such thing) as a comparison for evaluation and coming to a conclusion, I take into consideration is this person or group working towards improving the process of producing this thing so it does less harm. So if a person or group produces a valuable product, yet does a lot more harm in producing it and has no intention of improving the process, I would not support them. If a person or group produces a product that is valuable and its value is equal to the harm to produce it whether they plan to improve the process or not I would support it only if the product they produced could then be used in a greater beneficial manner. This is my guideline to my own set of standards. A brief comment on a subject that so much can and has been discussed on the subject.
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I totally agree with you. Looking and seeing for oneself if there is a valuable product and the less harm or damage done the better! Thanks, Bob!
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