Gifts From the Heart Are Gifts of the Heart 546.3
According to legend, a young man roaming the desert came across a spring of delicious crystal-clear water. The water was so sweet, he filled his leather canteen so he could bring some back to a tribal elder who had been his teacher.
After a four-day journey, he presented the water to the old man who took a deep drink, smiled warmly, and thanked his student lavishly for the sweet water. The young man returned to his village with a happy heart.
Later, the teacher let another student taste the water. He spat it out, saying it was awful. It apparently had become stale because of the long journey in the old leather container. The student challenged his teacher: “Master, the water was foul. Why did you pretend to like it?”
The teacher replied, “You only tasted the water. I tasted the gift. The water was simply the container for an act of loving kindness, and nothing could be sweeter. Heartfelt gifts deserve the return gift of gratitude.”
We understand this lesson best when we receive innocent gifts of love from young children. Whether it’s a ceramic tray or a macaroni bracelet, the natural and proper response is appreciation and expressed thankfulness because we love the idea within the gift.
Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally. Unfortunately, most children and many adults value only the thing given rather than the feeling embodied in it. We should remind ourselves and teach our children about the beauty and purity of feelings and expressions of gratitude. After all, gifts from the heart are really gifts of the heart.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
Great Story
Posted by: Suren | December 26, 2007 5:54 PM
Another great lesson in life from Mr. Josephson. I have just learned how to appreciate the little or big things I am given even when I don't like them, but to appreciate the gift.
Thank you
Posted by: Lattis | December 27, 2007 10:34 PM
Loved the story. How can I handle gifts from my parents? They are older and on a fixed income. I have told them both not to worry about gifts for my wife and I, but they insist on buying things. Most of which we don't want or need and won't use. It pains me to think they are wasting their money on gifts when they don't have it to waste.
Posted by: john | December 28, 2007 6:36 AM
Regarding John's parents buying him gifts on a fixed income. Your parents are generous and enjoy giving the gifts. Embrace the fact they probably won't stop. A suggestion would be to specify a gift card to a store that you and your wife shop at, or specify a low cost item that you would prefer to receive. That way, they are still happy to give, and the money is not being "wasted".
Posted by: Julia | January 4, 2008 6:09 AM
Well, I only have one child and eight siblings, but also have countless nieces and nephews and fully understand your gift dilemma.
Let me give you a little history before telling you how I solved the problem. My mother was always the one who bought all the gifts, wrote all the Christmas cards, decorated, cooked, etc. When she died, my father tried hard to do the same.
It was quite a burden for him. He fretted that he was doing things "right." He agonized over every gift he bought and worried that it would not be liked. It ruined the holidays for him just trying to decide what to buy everybody.
He finally gave up and came up with a better idea. He made a sizable donation to The Salvation Army and then enclosed a little note in each of his Christmas cards explaining his decision. I think all the family agreed that it was a great idea.
Well, that was a few years ago and this year I decided to do the same. My siblings, nieces and nephews all live good lives and are thankful for that. So this year I bought ducks, geese and chicks for everybody!
It is a program called Heifer International and they provide animals to impoverished families is many different countries so they may have a chance of pulling themselves out of poverty.
My family was very accepting of the idea and some even said they would look into it and maybe use it as a gift-giving idea for next year. I hope they do as I have more than enough sweaters!
Posted by: Linda | January 7, 2008 6:10 PM