Gifts From The Heart
The Best Gifts You Will Ever Receive
Note: I've followed Michael Josephson over the last 15 years, reading his newsletters and stories. The main theme is always one of love, appreciation and gratefulness. His work is about developing character in children,adults and community. As you read, remember: gifts from the heart are the best ones you'll ever receive.
According to legend, a young man while 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 tribalelder 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 returnedto 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 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."
I think 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 andexpressed 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.
Copyright © 2003 Michael Josephson --- Submitted by George Wachirah
Michael Josephson is the founder and president of Josephson Institute, which runs Ethics Centers focusing on youth (CHARACTER COUNTS!), sportsmanship, business, public service, and policing.In this blog Michael takes on the issues that define our days and lives - as he has done for some 15 years over the radio and on CharacterCounts.org
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