Volume 01, Issue 41: Bring Something to the Party

We know that it is ill manners to go visiting empty handed even though we are not always polite enough to do the proper thing. We often go bearing gifts as simple as grocery shopping when we visit with family and friends. But when we go to someone we need help from, most of us go empty handed.

When you approach someone in a position to advance your standing in life such as a mentor, it should not be just about what they can do for you. It is prudent to be mindful of what you can give to them. Everyone has something to give. Your gift need not be much; for it is not the magnitude, but the thought that counts. Keep in mind that gifts come in all forms; it could be an item or a service; whatever is relevant to your beneficiary.

Offering a gift when you are seeking one is not bribery. We live in a society of "toa kitu kidogo" and we may judge this as giving a bribe in exchange for what we need. The difference here is that the purpose of your gift is not to compromise the standards of the recipient, but to express a genuine appreciation for the value they will add to your life. More importantly, it shows that you are not just looking for a handout, but rather you are willing to exchange resources.

When her Majesty the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon to learn from his vast wisdom, she went with full hands. She went bearing gifts of gold, spices and precious stones, and gave them extravagantly. The Bible records that never again were so many spices brought in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. And in return she got so much more than she expected. The Bible records that King Solomon gave her all she desired and asked for, in addition to what he had given her out of his royal bounty.

Purpose to not approach anyone empty handed. Go with full hands. Have something to bring to the party. Provide a gift even when you are seeking one. Always seek to enrich the lives of others as they enrich yours.

Lillian Chebosi