Wisdom of a Chinese Proverb

There is a Chinese proverb that says the following:

If you want happiness for an hour—take a nap. If you want happiness for a day—go fishing. If you want happiness for a month—get married. If you want happiness for a year—inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime—help others.

Although this statement originated a very long time ago, modern science actually backs it up. Hundreds of scientific studies have verified that the following benefits happen when you help and serve other people:

• Improves your health and you live longer
• Increases your sense of purpose
• Increases your sense of belonging
• Lowers your blood pressure and stress levels
• Lowers chronic pain levels
• Makes you happier
• Makes you more grateful
• Increases your level of friendship and relationship

So here is the ironic thing about serving others, it also benefits you. Obviously, the reason for serving others should not be about what you get out of it. In fact, I would venture to guess that if you did do it for self-serving reasons you would lose most of the benefits. That said, it is pretty cool that God created a world where serving others and putting them first does not necessarily mean you have to be last.