The magic of giving...It's what you can give that shows your real worth

Sometimes small and simple things actually move us...

Believe me, an event need not be a grand one to inspire us in fact it can be a small incident which gives us hope of kindness and proof of magnanimity.

Few days back, I happened to read a book, 'Soul Curry'. It has got many real life experiences to touch & heal our heart. There is one very simple anecdote in it which made me to think that a person may or may not be beautiful; may or may not be intelligent; may or may not be rich...what we bear in mind is what actually that person has made us to feel which is often associated with what the person has given us, may bea materialistic gift or a non-materialistic memory. Yes, we don't really remember people for their name and face but for what they have given us. "Giving gift" is an age old tradition which much more than just a formality. This anecdote is really a decent picture of a beautiful & giving heart. It goes like...

"I believe everyone in their lifetime comes across a bit of magic that reminds them the importance of the word 'give'. The incident, which reminded me of the well known saying "Its's more blessed to give than to receive", happened a few weeks before my sister's wedding. With a heavy heart, I left the wedding cheer at home for another town to attend some important lectures.

My parents had the room ready and waiting for me and as I entered, I walked into what seemed like a Christmas floral shop. Red poinsettia and other bouquets crowded the window sill, along with a stack of cards that waited to be opened. I felt overwhelmed by the love and attention.

Just then a voice broke into my reverie. "Hey, I'll be sharing the room with you," said the 20-something girl who stepped into the room. She had short, curly grey hair and brown eyes. She stared at the flower like child-like wonder.

She introduced herself as Dollie and we chatted on till it was time for dinner. Not once did she mention her family and did I asked. In her company, life suddenly seemed easier and she also continued to exclaim excitedly at the cards and flowers I continued to receive.

On our last evening together, Dollie decided to visit the market. As I walked through the room alone, I noticed for the first time the stark constrast between our sides of the room. There was Dollie's bed that stood neat and sparse except for a red candelabra with holy sprigs, which she had brought along. Infact, I realized I had never seen her getting any calls either during her stay. In constrast, my bed was filled with gifts and I was flooded with calls from my family and friends.

I decided to give her something of mine as a parting gift. I looked around at the things I had and wondered if I could part with any of it. Of course, I couldn't give mom and dad's Yule log with candles, I thought. What about the new jacket?But, then, my sister badly wanted me to wear it when I reached home. The justifications kept even as I climbed onto my bed, placating my guilt by promising myself to call the nearby gift shop to order some flowers to Dollie the next day.

I awoke the next morning with thoughts of returning home, with some of the guilt resurfacing as I remembered that the gift shop would'nt open for another two days. Moreover, Dollie's train was scheduled before mine.

"I've really enjoyed getting to know you, Dollie," I finally told her. My words were sincere but I felt guilty for not having followed up on intentions.

To my surprise, she picked up her only possesion, the red candled centrepiece, and gently laid it in my hands. "I'll miss you, " she said, giving me a big hug. "Thank you, " is all I could manage to whisper.

As I heard the doors closing behind Dollie, I knew in my heart that she possessed much more than I did. "

Sometimes, people give the only thing they have. Blessed to have such people in our lives.

Giving something is not just a formality, it is giving a part of our being to be with that person. Yes, it is true, "It's what you can give that shows your real worth", it is the worth of our soul and heart which is priceless.

With a giving smile ,

Pragati Soni