The Pursuit of Happiness: Finding Joy in Giving

Happiness should be the ultimate goal in life because it is the only genuine aspect, while everything else is just an illusion. It may seem like a complex philosophy, but we realise it to be an undeniable truth once we objectively examine it.

Consider this: if we are unhappy in our relationship, no amount of money can bring us true happiness. In essence, happiness can only be found in relationships.

So, how do we attain happiness? Undoubtedly, helping others brings us joy. It is proven that the more we give, the more we receive. However, receiving should not be our primary goal. When we offer, others show us love, making us immensely happy.

In our everyday lives, we encounter numerous people who make our days more comfortable. These include our neighbours, grocery storekeepers, colleagues, mail carriers, and delivery personnel. Happiness is a feeling that words cannot adequately describe; it can only be felt through the expression of a genuine smile.

Giving can be something other than material gifts. Thanking people for all they do with a friendly word or a smile can go a long way in expressing gratitude for everything others do, and it encourages the development of fulfilling and prosperous relationships.

Our lives become more prosperous when we share; the tremendous inner joy of helping others improve their lives nourishes our souls. Giving provides an intrinsic reward far more valuable than any material gift.

I recently came across The Tale of the Two Seas, a broad analogy many use to discuss the importance of generosity and gratitude. Though not entirely unique, The Tale of the Two Seas remains poignant, so I chose to share it with you.

Let’s delve into this captivating story about two seas and the valuable lessons it teaches us.

There are two significant bodies of water in Israel: the Dead Sea, which stretches 50 miles in length and 11 miles in width with a shoreline that is 1300 feet below sea level, and the Sea of Galilee, a picturesque lake that is 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, surrounded by lush vegetation and teeming with fish.

We learned about the “Dead Sea” in school.

As you may recall, the Dead Sea is, in fact, a lake and not a sea. Its high salt content allows the human body to float effortlessly. However, no life forms can survive in the Dead Sea due to its extreme salinity. No fish. No vegetation. No sea animals. It is entirely devoid of life, hence its name: Dead Sea.

On the other hand, the Sea of Galilee is situated just north of the Dead Sea. Both bodies of water receive water from the Jordan River. Yet, they are remarkably different.

In contrast to the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee is brimming with diverse, vibrant aquatic life. It is home to numerous plant species and over twenty different types of fish.

The same region, the same water source—yet one sea thrives while the other remains lifeless. How can this be? Why does one sea flourish while the other does not?

Here’s what we have discovered. The Jordan River empties into the Sea of Galilee before flowing elsewhere. The water passes through the Sea of Galilee, maintaining its health and vibrancy and teeming with marine life.

However, the Dead Sea is so far below sea level that it lacks an outlet. Water flows into it from the Jordan River but does not flow out. There are no outlet streams. As a result, over 7 million tonnes of water evaporate from the Dead Sea daily, leaving it excessively salty, filled with minerals, and unsuitable for marine life.

The Dead Sea takes water from the River Jordan but does not return it.

The consequence? It is devoid of any life forms.

Consider this reflection.

These two bodies of water bear witness to the truth of human existence. In receiving and giving back, we sustain our hopes and energise our lives.

In other words, the Sea of Galilee is a conduit, while the Dead Sea is a container. The former is filled with life, while the latter is filled with death!

This principle holds in our own lives. If we receive material wealth, knowledge, love, and respect but fail to return them, we become stagnant, lifeless, bitter, and acidic.

But if we behave like the Sea of Galilee, receiving and returning, we grow lively, wholesome, and life-giving. This truth is the essence of wisdom and the reality of life. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

We have the good fortune to amass wealth, education, adoration, and respect. But if we don’t develop a giving mindset, we can end up like the Dead Sea. Love, care, wealth, and knowledge could all evaporate, just like the water in the Dead Sea.

If we adopt the mentality of the Dead Sea, merely accumulating more water, more money, and more of everything, the results can be disastrous.

This stark contrast illustrates how we handle what we possess. When we hoard the precious gifts we have received, they lose their value and cease to be life-giving. However, when we act out of abundance and keep those resources flowing to benefit those around us, their importance to us and others multiplies beyond our imagination. This approach brings immense life and joy to everyone we encounter.

It is crucial to ensure that we have outlets in our own lives. Many outlets. For love, wealth, and everything else we receive. Let’s make sure we don’t only take but also give.

Open the taps of giving, and you’ll unleash happiness. Cultivate the habit of sharing and experiencing life to the fullest.