There are many who give little of the much they have. They give for recognition, making their gifts unwelcome.
There are many who have little and give it all. They believe in life and its bounty. They have no needs and their life is never empty.
There are many who give with joy. The joy they receive from giving is their reward.
There are many who give with pain. The pain they feel from giving is their salvation.
There are many who give and do not realize the pain in giving; nor do they seek joy or give thought to their generosity.
From “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gabran
Which one are you? In “The Prophet”, Kahlil Gabran also spoke of giving:
You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions, but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?
And what is fear of need, but need itself?
Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable?
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You often say, “I would give, but only to the deserving.”
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.
Surely, he who is worthy to receive his days and his nights is worthy of all else from you.
And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream.
And what desert greater shall there be than that which lies in the courage and the confidence, nay the charity, of receiving?
And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.
For in truth, it is life that gives unto life – while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.
And you receivers – and you are all receivers – assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives.
Rather, rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;
For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the free-hearted earth for mother, and God for father.
The greatest gift you can give another is the gift of yourself. Give of yourself in little ways today; whether it be your time, your talents, or your resources. The rewards will be many and will come in the most unexpected and meaningful ways!
Remember … touch a life today “The Little Way” by following the lead and need of others. Also, if you ever thought to yourself, “I wish my customers, knew…”, then be sure to visit White Light Communications at http://www.tothewhitelight.com.
~ Theresa
Doing It "The Little Way" 