There is a saying that goes, "Joyfully, I give with an attitude of abundance...for as I give, I do receive." Has anyone noticed how this really works? There have been times in my life that I really wanted some new clothes. The clothes I had were tired; but, I had no money for new clothes. At least that’s what I thought at the time. I went into my closet and cleaned it out. I got rid of a bunch of clothes...even ones that I still liked...because, someone told me that if I wanted to fill my closet with new clothes...I had to get rid of the old ones first.

This seems like a metaphor for life to me. As I give...I receive. Yes.

Of course, shortly after I cleaned out the closet...someone my size said, "I have a bunch of clothes I need to get rid of...do you want to check them out?" These clothes were like brand new...compared to mine. I ended up replacing all the old nasty clothes with newer nice clothes. Wow, it really worked. Another time I did this...I ended up getting an unexpected check in the mail...and went and bought some new clothes with the money. This approach has worked MANY times. If we are willing to clean out our closet...it will fill up again in no time.

Years ago...I decided to test this theory in other aspects of my life. For years I had the same guitars. One was the very first guitar I ever had. I had always kept this collection...because I was attached to them! Well, we were having a garage sale...and my wife was suggesting that I let some of the guitars go...to make room in the closet that I keep them in. I stepped up and put three of my guitars out at the garage sale. It was amazing to see the perfect person come for each of the guitars. One was going to be used at a Drug and Alcohol treatment center. One was an excited young man. One went to a middle aged man who needed a guitar to start with. I got to see the joy in their eyes as they found the deal of a lifetime...on something they really wanted. Even my very first guitar...was a joy to LET GO.

Of course, since then...those three guitars have been replaced with three much better ones...and the miracle is that out of the three new guitars...I paid for nothing for two of them!! They were given to me! As I give...I do receive.

I have tested this theory in many ways. I have done a 10% tithing experiment...and you know what...it works? I gave 10%...even when I didn't think I had the money to pay the bills...and IT WORKED!!!! I did have the money for the bills when it came time to pay them.

Now, the place that I really have noticed it being effective is this...GIVE YOUR LOVE AWAY!!!! Give your kindness to others. Give a smile to a stranger...or a parking place to another. Let someone go in front of you at the grocery store.  Forgive that person who cuts you off...see how maybe, just maybe they didn't mean to do it...and are judging themselves harshly right then for cutting you off. Give your love away!!! Call someone you love...just to tell them that you love them. Send an e-card to a friend. Open the door for someone at the mall or a restaurant...and see how he or she lights up! As you do this...don’t be surprised when you start receiving kind gestures and love back!! Don't be surprised when you are waiting to get into traffic...and someone stops dead and let's you in. This stuff works. My suggestion is, "Give freely of your heart...and the flood gates will be open...and you will receive gifts beyond your imagination."

It just feels good to give your love away...and as you Give...you WILL receive. Give it a try...it really works.

Keith Leon

Relationship Masters