“Thomas Jefferson observed, “A candle loses nothing when it lights another candle.” That is the real nature of partnership. I find that many people don’t think that way. They believe that sharing means losing something. But I don’t think that’s true.
Every person possesses one of two mind-sets: scarcity or abundance. People with a scarcity mind-set believe that there’s only so much to go around, so you have to scrap for everything you can and protect whatever you have at all costs. People with an abundance mind-set believe there’s always enough to go around. If you have an idea, share it: you can always come up with another one. If you have money, give some of it away; you can always make more. If you have only one piece of pie, let someone else eat it; you can bake another one.
I believe that in this area, you get from life what you expect. You can hoard what little you have and receive no more. Or you can give what you have, and you will be rewarded with abundance. Your attitude makes the difference. So if you partner with another person and give tremendously, one way or another you’re going to get back more than you gave.”
― John C Maxwell
Lovely thoughts....I like the line “a candle loses nothing when it lights another candle.” Thanks for posting.
I was just looking at my pings and saw your thought-provoking post.
I wonder if the two mindsets of scarcity and abundance correlate with selfishness and selflessness? Seems like they might. I know that when I’m struggling with my own selfishness (much more often than I’d care to tell so no asking allowed! 😬😂😂) I’m also focused on what I do or don’t have, and when I’m focused on God and the needs of others I’m much more at peace with whatever situation I’m in because I’m thinking of the other, either another person or God - not me me me.
”So if you partner with another person and give tremendously, one way or another you’re going to get back more than you gave.”
So true! Isn’t the idea of losing if we give too much the first block on the path to giving our entire selves to God? That worry of losing so many things we love, whether it’s material items or relationships or health… But when the person can just let go and dive in to that relationship there’s so much more there than was in her life before! God is so Good!!
So now, enough of what I think (me me me! 👀🫤) and I thank you again for posting such a good thing to think and pray on today.
So glad to see you! 😁❤️