When we are children, teenagers and even adults, we are anxious about the present we will receive on our birthday, children’s day and Christmas, isn’t that true? As we grow into adults with a better understanding of life, we begin to discover how powerful it is to give something to someone without expecting anything in return, and learn that we benefit more from “giving than receiving”. That’s why the importance of being generous with the people around us. And when I mention generosity, it’s not about money, but about respect and love for others. I invite you to stay with me until the end of this article, for a better understanding of the approach mentioned above. We live in a culture where people want to take advantage of everything and earn as much as they can. Giving is not a question of how much money we have in our hands, but rather, how much love we have in our hearts and consequently offer to our neighbor. There will always be someone who needs more attention, a hand held out, a smile, a transforming “good morning”, a hug or simply a compassionate look. It is important to have this practice in all areas of our lives and in our daily contact with people. However, I want to bring this reflection to the context of “serving” in the FUNERAL SECTOR; in attendance and assistance to bereaved families, in removals, farewell ceremonies, wakes, among others; a scene of so much pain and suffering. I want to reflect on how important and necessary it is to genuinely serve those who are going through such a difficult and delicate situation. We are often immersed in our work demands, which are very important, but without realizing it we forget that on the other side of the table there are people who need our full attention, need to feel supported and welcomed, because they are going through a process of deep pain that is the loss of a loved one. When we are attentive to the other, it is important to stop for a few moments, look into the eyes, adjust the tone of voice, offer a handkerchief to dry the tears, practice empathy, compassion, offer the inclusion of people through the technology of live wakes, among other actions that are simple and transformative at the same time. Give “our best” at that moment by acting with sensitivity. How important it is to do without expecting anything in return. How transformative it is, when we have that understanding. It is true that we receive our salaries and benefits at the end of each month, it is extremely necessary for our livelihood and to achieve our ideals and dreams, but my reflection goes further, my goal is to make people understand that there is “a greater cause, a why “, for such a noble mission given to us. I understand that our mission is to serve, care for and support other people in the most chaotic and difficult scenario in life, which is the farewell, the death of a loved one. It’s so simple and at the same time challenging, because we’re not used to serving, we always want to be served, it’s much more comfortable. It’s human nature. When we serve our neighbor, we are the most benefited, we feel happy, our body reacts positively in every way, our heart is at peace. Doing something for others, we do it for ourselves too. It cannot be sick, it needs to be light, it is not a burden or weight. In the same proportion that we give, we receive, it is the law of sowing, “whatever we sow, we will reap”. We are transformed into better people and our lives take on greater meaning and this is exactly what makes living worth living, the legacy we leave behind and the transformation we bring about in the people around us, positively marking and thus eternalizing a totally different for both parties. We are transformed to transform. This is the greatest happiness! Wow! This is life! * “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Text written by Stael Veiga

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