By: Ted Camp, Silent Word Ministries

Two sayings that have become a part of my life are, “The best things in life are not things,” and “Don’t love things but love people.” I have learned that the greatest gift you can give to others is yourself and not things. You may not have wealth, but you do have much you can generously give to others. What you give of yourself will remain long after the gold is gone.

I recently read “Be Generous” by W. Clement Stone he wrote, “Even without worldly wealth it is possible for you to... Be generous! Give to those whom you love; give to those who love you; give to the fortunate; give to the unfortunate; and give especially to those to whom you don’t want to give. You can give them what you alone possess and it cannot be taken away.

Give a smile and you will receive a smile. Give a kind word and you will be appreciated. Give appreciation and be appreciated. Give honor and praise where it is due and you will receive honor and praise. Give time to others and you will be rewarded. Give hope and you will have hope. Give happiness and you will be made happy.

Give encouragement and you will be encouraged. Give cheer and you will be cheerful. Give a pleasant response and you will receive pleasant responses. Give good thoughts and others will be thoughtful of you. Give prayers and you will receive blessings, more than you deserve.”

Your presence can be worth more than your presents. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was unable to attend a rally so he sent a telegram with just one word. It read “Others!” Be generous! Give of yourself!”

So, the best things in life are not things! Things cannot return your love. So don’t love things, love people! There is no substitute for family and friends. This week seek to give of yourself to others.  These are Words of Wisdom.

Ted Camp is director of Silent Word Ministries, a worldwide ministry to the deaf based in Trenton. E-mail him at TC@silentword.org to be added to the email list for weekly articles or phone (706) 657-8000.