The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little. - Franklin D. Roosevelt
Life in abundance comes only through great love. - Elbert Hubbard
Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving. - W. Clement Stone
Sharing this story has become an annual tradition for me at this time of year and so, by popular demand, I share it once again.
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Some years ago when Harry Jr. was very young, I had pulled into a Toys R Us parking lot in New Jersey on Christmas Eve to buy him more "stuff". Even though my son had so much stuff that he rivalled Toys R Us in inventory, it still didn't seem enough for some reason.
Just before I stepped out of my vehicle, a story came on my favorite National Public Radio station (WNYC in New York) and something about it caught my ear.
For the next 10 minutes, I sat in silence and listened to the story. When the story was over, I started my truck and drove out of the parking lot in silence.
I had received an important message about Christmas when I needed to hear it. The “teacher” always appears when the student is ready and my Christmases have never been the same since.
Of the many traditions I have at Christmas, there are two that I find to be important.
1. I always listen to that story at least once.
2. I always share it with others and encourage them to listen to it.
The story I am referring to can be found here and in the video below.
When I think about my family, my friends and Life itself, I consider myself to be extremely blessed.
With that, I thank YOU for what you do - for the light and love you bring to so many.
In an uncertain world, every day we are alive is still an incredible gift.
In a world that experiences difficult moments, there are still miracles being created.
In a world that experiences war and hostility, there are still many examples of love and generosity.
In a world that experiences adversity and challenge, there exists unlimited opportunity and potential.
In a world that may seem to embrace greed, there are examples of incredible generosity.
Despite the many challenges we face, we have many reminders that we still live in a beautiful world. Sometimes the reminders are obvious while at other times we need to dig deep to find them. We are also reminded that there are times when the beauty of Life must be vigorously defended against those who try to convince us that such beauty is forever lost or not worth defending.
Sometimes we need the help of others to help us find the “breathing room” to rediscover the beauty that Life represents.
And many times, other people need our help.
As you celebrate this Holiday Season, please remember those who are not as fortunate. There is more than enough love to go around – we just need to make the effort to share it unconditionally.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, Happy EID or Merry Yule.
However you celebrate these days, cherish them.
And help others find a way to cherish them as well.
In service and servanthood, love and gratitude. Create a great holiday experience for yourself and others, because merely having one is too passive an experience.
Harry
For those who can’t find the links on the NPR website to hear the story, they can be found here:
Addendum - December 9, 2013
While I usually don't promote "corporate stuff", I thought that this video published by WestJet (the airline I fly exclusively in Canada) is pretty cool. What do you think?
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