I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

― Albert Schweitzer

There is another thing to consider when determining your unique and special gift.

We think of service as giving – what we have, what we do, and who we are. We should not expect to receive something in return for our service.

But the reality is that we do receive something and it is in the receiving of value that often makes the service rewarding, fulfilling, and sustainable (you want to do it again).

One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.

― Gordon B. Hinckley, author

The love you share with others will be returned to you in many different ways. It
may be in the form of appreciation or gratefulness from those you served.

It may be the satisfaction that you have made a difference in someone’s life, perhaps even the beginning of their transformation journey.

Or it may be from serving a cause or mission that you believe in. Some examples of
causes might include childhood development, homelessness, environmental
stewardship, or social justice.

In that case, your energy might come from a strong belief in a value or principle that
you have rather than a specific skill or talent you possess. You might be willing to
take on a variety of different tasks using a variety of different skills, knowing that
your service will be for a cause you believe in.

What cause or mission has special meaning in your life?

Perhaps you or someone you know suffered with a serious problem such as
domestic violence, addiction, or discrimination. You experienced the heartache, pain, or life-changing effects that it caused and vowed to help prevent others from a similar fate.

Or perhaps there are trends and changes going on in the world that you believe pose
a threat to what you hold dear, such as climate change, civil liberties, or the
damaging effects of technology.

Serving individuals or organizations that are making a difference in areas that you
care about is another wonderful way for you to target your service.

Doug Bate
Service Central