Stories about giving often focus on sharing out of one’s abundance. But, what the cost? One of my favorite stories regarding sharing is from O. Henry’s Gift of the Magi. The author vividly explains how true kindness is routed in sacrifice as husband and wife each gave up their personal treasures for the other’s happiness at Christmas.
In the story, the husband sells his gold watch to buy hair combs for his wife’s lovely hair. The wife cuts and sells her hair to buy a beautiful gold fob to go with her husband’s watch. Tragedy? Hardly. Their mutual sacrifice highlights their true love for each other.
Would you be willing to sacrifice your money for a friend or loved one’s happiness? Would you sacrifice your Saturday mornings to refurbish someone’s house that needs to be warmer, safer, or dryer? How about sharing your knowledge with someone who needs tutoring to pass their US Citizenship test?
The key is not what we have, but what that person needs that will make them happy. A person’s needs, wants, and dreams are unique to them. For some a warm coat or hot meal. For others, it’s someone to listen to a retelling of childhood stories.
Would you sacrifice your time to help someone make their dream a reality? A week. A day. An hour. A moment. A kind thought. An encouraging word.
Would you like a cup of kindness?
