Give all you can

The meaning of just about anything in life comes from the time, effort and energy you give it. Anything you get for free, with no work or commitment or attention, is worth about what you pay for it, which is nothing.

To wish for a life that is always easy and free of effort is to wish for a life with very little fulfillment. Before you complain about life being difficult, remember that much of life's richness comes from working to transcend the difficulties.

A good life is a life filled with meaningful effort. Every challenge brings multiple opportunities to respond with good, useful, rewarding effort.

When all you expect is to get something for nothing, the most you can get is nothing. Yet when you make the most of each opportunity to give of yourself, there is no limit to the value and goodness you can enjoy.

Do you ever feel sorry for yourself because you have so much work to do? The next time you sense that feeling coming on, make the choice to turn it around.

Joyfully and enthusiastically embrace the effort, and the opportunity to make a difference. Life is good when you give yourself to it, so make it your business to give all you can.

-- Ralph Marston

Copyright (c) 2013 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. From The Daily Motivator at http://greatday.com where you will find an archive of more than 4,500 positive messages plus books, CDs, motivational videos and more. Permission is given to post online only if this entire notice is included.