The Gift Goes to the Giver

The National Speakers Association (NSA) presented the 2013 Philanthropist of the Year award to Randy Gage. Many people may not recognize his name unless you are in NSA, read one of his books or taken one of his seminars. He is well known for teaching people about prosperity and abundance. Although he has made millions of dollars in his business over the past twenty years, he has given away millions of dollars as well.

In his acceptance speech, he told us something he had never told an audience before—there was a time early in his business career that he was on food stamps. He was embarrassed about it then and still is today. There are other things he reveals that are nothing to be proud of but show how far he has come to receive today’s award.

Now he is in the midst of a major transition in his life. He has sold his mansion, all his sports cars and over $100,000 worth of suits as he refocuses his life. To help himself gain more clarity, he is on a sabbatical; traveling around the world. He built his vast wealth from nothing and knows that if need be, he can do it again.

For several years, he has given generously to the NSA Foundation. When he received his award today he said the reason he is philanthropic is because “. . . the gift goes to the giver. We change lives when we give.” He even stated that he considers giving selfish because he gets such joy from giving.

That made me wonder if the joy I’m feeling is actually selfish. I had always thought that giving is joyful for the people who are receiving. Maybe giving creates so much joy for both the giver and receiver because it is one, of many, expressions of love. And if giving and receiving are selfish let’s all be selfish.

Randy inspired me. I love that my hotel room here at this convention is cleaned and straightened each day. I love that my bed is made and fresh towels are in the bathroom.

I left a small amount of money for a gift for the housekeeper in the hotel with a note that thanked her for her loving and good work.

And if giving and receiving love are selfish let’s all be selfish.

In giving,

Robin