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Monday, July 18, 2016

Happiness Multiplied (By Debby Thrailkill)

While out for a walk this morning I thought about a meeting I will attend this evening. I'll be representing the South County Outreach to a women's club, a social group that gathers monthly with a different agenda each time. Sometimes the group learns about charitable causes and others times they just share a fun activity. Whether gathering food for the needy or simply enjoying fine wine, these women build bonds that are meaningful and lasting as they share their experiences. Outside the group setting, these ladies grow to support each other whenever needed out of love for their friends. Taking time to join a group can change your life.

One example. My mother in law is a vibrant, beautiful woman who loves life, loves to make new friends and constantly shares herself with others. She has a bunko club (picture ladies with slippery dice and tasty drinks), a group of retired candy factory coworkers who lunch together every month and a big family that always loves to gather near her. Until recently she also had her Curves group, which is ladies who work out together. At 82 her regular gatherings with others who have similar interests brings her much joy. It's effort on her part to keep these relationships going, but she absolutely loves it. She constantly offers up her home and meals and she participates in lively conversation and projects that always bring joy to others.

Another example. A friend of mine works tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits throughout our community. An important job, he meets with groups of all sizes weekly. He wears a three-piece suit, exudes sincerity, and has a heart of gold. Outside of work he involves himself in all sorts of worldly ventures. He travels to Paris with family and friends, is writing a novel, and also represents a line of wood baseball bats, a passion that involves him with groups of young college athletes and fellow ball players throughout the country. My outgoing and renaissance friend brings his energy, enthusiasm and passion for life to each group he encounters, yet in his thoughts at the end of each day he thanks God for the friends he has been blessed with.

Participating with a group takes effort but can be absolutely rewarding! I recently signed up to join Monica Mehren Thompson's "Pay it Forward" giving group. I read about this group online and gave Monica a call. I was looking forward to meeting new friends and finding new ways to share my blessings. Monica was excited to welcome me to the group and reminded me that in joining the group I would be bringing value to them as well.

Sharing my life with my husband, family and good friends brings me unequaled joy. Sharing enhances life, and it works both ways. Share a meal, share a story, share your faith and do it often. Your happiness will multiply!
Instead of a gem or a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought
into the heart of a friend. That would be giving as the angels give. 
~ George MacDonald 

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