Meditate on what?

You strive to focus inwardly, use meditation and seek self-improvement and yet gain only glimpses of lasting peace.

The discipline of selflessness proposes that you focus outwardly. Instead of meditation, provide mediation. Instead of self-improvement, try to help others improve.

But don't think this giving of yourself is for earning some points. Again, the reward is in the giving and the sacrifice itself.

When it is time to rest, focus on God. Meditate on his glory and power, not yours. God is gracious, forgiving and desires the best for you. His favor can restore you and give you true lasting peace, but not because of your works, but because of His goodness.

Give First

Unfortunately we often choose to give of ourselves because of a perceived future reward, or "return on investment."

There often is some ROI. But it is often not apples to apples. You serve food at the homeless shelter and your kids learn to respect you. You stay home for the weekend so your wife can get away for a break and you get to help your daughter get closer to choosing her direction in life. You teach a co-worker your best secret technique for getting ahead and gain a life-long friend.

But what if you serve at the homeless shelter and your kids think you are weird? What if you give your wife a break for the weekend and your kids drive you nuts all weekend? What if you teach a co-worker your secret sauce and he or she gets the promotion you deserve?

The discipline of selflessness is centered around the premise that giving itself is the ROI. Your experience of sacrifice, learning, serving, and helping another is the reward.

And have faith. There is a reward coming. In this life and the next.