THE ART OF GIVING

Do you remember once in your lifetime that you have done a righteous thing by way of giving? Do you remember the phrase, "It is better to give than to receive." Some of us did it differently. They give a little and wanted to receive more. They liked to own all of it and share less or not at all and that's greediness. They were only thinking of their own self-interest. It was hard for them to give even the excess of what they have in life.

But there are others who have a soft heart for the needy. They are willing to give even if it is only enough for their family. To those who have no desire to give did not fully understand that wealth is only a temporary material things they cannot hold forever. When they are gone, even a piece of paper they cannot bring it to their grave. Not even the wealth helps to put their life back when it is time to go for good.

Being a Samaritan is a behavior by heart. There was a wonderful feeling by just giving. It gives you pleasure. You cannot think of other things except what was in your mind is how you can help them in a simple way. This strange behavior only found in a privilege few. They were happy to give any little help for the benefit of others.

I know a friend whose life was hanging in a balance. He earned a little in his on and off job as carpenter. He had a family of three to support yet if someone asked him for help especially in emergencies he is willing to give. He helped him a little to share as a sign of concern, understanding and pity. I asked him why? He said it was already his habit to give. He believed there are still many people out there like him who has the same intention to help other people. He said he was more happy if those rich people can do the same. I was touched by his art of giving. Sometimes I felt guilty of not doing what he did. I now realized that those people who were gifted to give has less in life and also has their own suffering and problem to attend. He said he may not be rewarded today what good thing he had done to the lives of other men. But in the next life, he may be recognized for what he shared to others and that was already a blessing for him.