Giving
"It's better to give than receive,"
my mother used to say.
But it took some years
of experience
before I fully understood
what she meant.
When I gave my subway seat
to an old lady,
I felt kind.
When I dropped a dollar
into the street musician's hat,
I felt generous.
When I let the harried driver
cut in front of me on the road,
I felt patient.
When I lent a hand
to someone at work,
I felt a part of the team.
When I brought a meal
to my grieving neighbor,
I felt empathetic.
When I gave some water
to a thirsty dog,
I felt happy.
When I wrote a check
to a worthy cause,
I felt virtuous.
When I gave my friend
the benefit of the doubt,
I felt compassionate.
I discovered that
when I give my time,
my attention,
my money,
my thoughtfulness
to another —
I feel wonderful.
Mom was right . . .
it IS better to give
than receive.
In giving,
we generate warmth;
in giving,
we feel connected;
in giving,
we discover love.
in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.
— Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher
