"只要我们爱，我们就服务；只要我们被他人爱，我几乎可以说我们是不可或缺的，有朋友的人就不是无用之人。"

Loving others and being loved in return gives our lives purpose and meaning. It suggests that as long as we have love in our hearts and friends in our lives, we’re never truly without value. This is a pretty profound idea when you think about it. It doesn’t matter what material possessions we have or what we’ve achieved in our careers—what really counts is the love we give and receive.

Now, let’s put this in context. Imagine you’re feeling down because your job isn’t going the way you want, or you’re struggling to find your path. Maybe Robert Louis Stevenson was feeling a bit like this when he wrote those words. The late 19th century, when he was alive, was a time of great change and uncertainty. People were moving to cities, losing connections with their communities, and struggling with the rapid pace of technological and social change. So, it’s possible that he was reminding himself and others that, despite all this upheaval, love and friendship remained constant sources of real value.

Think about when you’ve felt most connected to your sense of purpose. Maybe it wasn’t when you landed that big client or nailed that presentation. Perhaps it was when you sat up all night with a friend who was going through a rough patch, or when you helped your neighbor carry groceries. Those moments of serving others out of love, they stick with you, don’t they?

To see this in action, look no further than Fred Rogers, the beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Fred dedicated his life to loving and serving children through his television show. He approached each episode with the intent of making each child feel special and understood. Even after his death, countless people have spoken about the profound impact he had on their lives. Fred Rogers didn’t have to be a business tycoon or a groundbreaking scientist to be indispensable; he simply needed to love and serve others.

So, how do you make this idea work in your own life? Start small. Think about the people around you—friends, family, even acquaintances. Show up for them. Listen, really listen, when they talk. Offer a helping hand without expecting anything in return. It’s these small acts of love that add up to a life of service and meaning.

Let me share a relatable story. Picture Sarah, a marketing executive in a fast-paced city. She’s constantly chasing deadlines and milestones. But every Thursday, she spends her evening volunteering at a local shelter. She cooks, serves food, and chats with the people there. One evening, she meets Dave, a regular at the shelter who’s fallen on hard times. They strike up a friendship. Dave starts to look forward to Thursdays—not just for the meal, but for the company.

Sarah might not realize it, but she’s indispensable to Dave. Through her love and service, she’s making a real difference in his life. And guess what? She feels more fulfilled on Thursday nights than she does in any boardroom meeting. The lesson here is clear: love and connections are what make us valuable.

In a world that often measures worth by numbers and accolades, remember that your ability to love and be loved is what truly counts. So, keep those connections strong. Serve with love. Because as long as you’re loved and loving, you’re never useless.