Community
Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.
But no.
Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (the thigh bone - the longest and thickest bone in the body) that had been broken and then healed.
Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said.
We are at our best when we serve others.
It is SO easy to get caught up in the outside-in world that says that you are never enough. That you aren't good enough, pretty enough, rich enough, healthy enough, etc. That your business isn't big enough, you aren't advancing your career enough, you aren't reaching enough people.
The truth is, you were designed with magnificence, and we magnify the magnificence in ourselves and others by using our unique talents in service to others.
This week, make an attempt to use your unique gift to help others.
For me, when I'm adjusting patients or meeting with new ones, I'll aim to be fully present with each person. Be there for them.
For others, try to help a co-worker on a project that you're totally conformable with but they may not me. Or help a family member at home with something they've been struggling with.
Outside of your jobs, maybe your unique gift is that you are an amazing listener. Maybe you are super handy and could help your neighbour. Maybe you are skilled in a topic that you could mentor someone on. Maybe you are awesome at just sitting quietly with someone who is suffering, and making them feel like they aren't alone.
It doesn't matter what it is, just do it with the spirit of being 'civil' as Mead sees it.
Watch how amazingly this impacts not just their life, but yours too.
To read more about a serving mindset and specific steps you can take to make a positive impact in the lives of others, you can click the link below.
https://experiencemission.org/blog/5-steps-serving-others-well