Versailles News: Generosity has its benefits

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Generosity is the best defense against consumerism, greed and selfishness. Unfortunately most of us do not recognize our own materialistic nature. It seems most of us think we should leave the volunteering to those who have more time than we and the donating to those who have more money than we. But in truth, generous people aren’t blessed with wealth, as much as they are blessed with generous hearts.

I’m confident most of us would be surprised to see how little some of the most generous individuals have in terms of monetary wealth. These charitable people contribute not because they have so much but because others have so little. In turn these benevolent people receive more than they give. They have a happier outlook and greater sense of life satisfaction as a result of knowing they are striving to make the world a better place by elevating others.

But perhaps their greatest benefit of generosity is the realization that they already have enough. In a society that continually strives for more—more money, more possessions we are always in perpetual motion. We are jealous of anyone that seems to have more than we therefore we never feel we have enough. It’s that constant desire for more that is having a damaging effect on our society.

I’ve known people that cannot be happy because they are always worried about their finances, in fact, I used to be one. No matter what the conversation they enter into it always ends up being about money, because it is forever weighing heavy upon their minds. These are neither happy people nor are they fun to be around.

If only these joyless people could understand that we are all called to be generous with ourselves and our possessions because in truth nothing we have is ours. Even our time is borrowed and for that reason all that we possess will be left behind in a blink of an eye. If these people only knew the joy that can be realized from giving things away, their lives could be brighter and their hearts would become lighter. In fact research has shown that generosity makes us healthier. When we do something good for others we encourage the release of endorphins (the “feel good” chemicals) in our body which gives us a “natural high” and helps us fight stress. Other benefits of a generous attitude include an improved immune system and an extended lifespan.

Nearly all of us have something we could donate like the clothing we either do not or cannot wear. What’s more we don’t have to wait to be generous we can donate as of way to give thanks and praise for the blessings we possess this Thanksgiving.

Upcoming events:

Mark your calendar for Nov. 29 breakfast at the Eagles from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and Dec. 3rd bid euchre tournament at the Vet’s Club (downstairs) beginning at 7 p.m. This is open to the public for men and women.

Happy birthday to Brett Pulfer, Brooke Timmerman, Bryan Bartram, Paige Gehret (8), Carmen Hartzell, Phyliss Davis, David Fine, Alma Kissinger, Missy Voisard, Cindy Shadoan, Chastity Rinderle, Deb Stewart, Amanda Milbourne, Scott Monnin, Denise Ruhenkamp, Barb Marshal, Toni Schafer, Shawn Daugherty, Shirley Goldschmidt, Cole Ausborn, Shirley Eiting, Pam Groff, Rachel Schmitmeyer, Pat Dieringer, Monica Knapke and Tom Petitjean. Anniversary wishes Erin and Keith Horst (1), Mallory and Ben Schmitmeyer (8), Donna and Russ Francis (19), Susan and Doyle Derr (24), Cindy and Ralph Dapore (26), Brenda and Tom Dirksen (26), Eileen and Jim Prenger (33), and Cindy and Sherman Lewis (35).

Happy retirement wishes to Bonnie York.

Healing prayers and get well wishes to Beverly Norton, Carl Drees, Dorothy Richard, Dave Magoto, Alan Barga, Maggie Dabbelt, Bob Homan, Janet Pitsenbarger, Kelly Bruns, Steven Youngker (shoulder surgery), Nicole Smith, Dave Francis, Marge Langenkamp, Iris Nickol, Joann Ingle, Eileen Rahm, Michelle McClure Dan Trostel, Robert Longenecker, Rita Wuebker, Shirley Davis, Yvonne Ridenour, Cyril Frantz, Wayne Pittsenbarger, Michelle Ullom, Thelma Schultz, James Youngker, Glenn Monnin, Isabella Yakos, Brian Voisard Barb and Jon Agne, Samantha Smith and all those dealing with cancer or any one of life’s many challenges, as well the hospitalized or homebound in need of our prayers but not mentioned by name.

Sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Karen Coverstone (49), Mary Davidson (58), Richard Michael (88), and Marybel Weaver (88) also remembering the lives of Alice Boring, Don Oswalt, Dale Simon, Marjorie Rethman, Roger Wackler, Tom Siegel, Helen Bruner Brown, Margaret Bixler, Carol Bundschuh, Joe Vencill, Norman Gigandet, Ruth Marshal, Laveda Payne and all those who are in our hearts but not mentioned by name at the anniversary of their passing.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~Winston Churchill

“Sacrifice is the only true measure of generosity.” ~Unknown

“You cannot out give the God, the giver of all” ~C. Edwards

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By Kathy Magoto

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves The Daily Advocate readers weekly with her weekly Versailles community column. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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