DID YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A HUGE BAG OF GIFTS TO GIVE AWAY?

The following is from Fr. Josiah Trenholme of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, posted February 6, 2002, on his website Chrysostom@yahoogroups.com: 

"There we found a very old man who had been at the monastery for about eighty years.  He had more compassion than anybody we ever saw, not only for men, but also for animals.  What did this elder do?  No other work but this:  he would rise early and feed all the dogs at the lavra.  He would give flour to the small ants, grain to the bigger ones.  he would dampen biscuits and throw them up on the roof-tops for the birds to eat.  Living like this, he left nothing at his death...He gave everything to those in need, investing his entire concern in those things which were to come."  From The Spiritual Meadow of John Moschos. 

If this wonderful old man (have we often stopped and pondered what lovely works of art the elderly are?) could be so generous and kind to creatures we usual think nothing of – and even regard them as nuisances –so much more ought we to be kind and generous to our brothers and sisters, fellow human persons living on this planet, especially those of our own families, our fellow-workers, our fellow-parishioners, our fellow-clubmembers. 

Generosity also means (sometimes it means “above all”) being tolerant, letting others have their own space, forgiving them if in their words or even deeds they have disturbed or offended us.  How often have we done just that to others, just by being who we are? 

Generosity also means feeding and clothing others and giving them drink to quench their thirst.  Sometimes just a smile or a friendly word will do just that!  Sometimes the whole world looks so unfriendly and mean especially when we are sad or discouraged or hungry or tired.  If we stopped to think about it – if we were mindful – we might notice that we are all always walking around with a huge bag of all sorts of good things to give away – many of them invisible until we make them visible by giving them. 

What do you think?  Is this something we could do?