A Gift

A smile, a hug, a "thank you", a hand shake, these are some of the gifts that we can give to others and may get back in return. Giving doesn't mean that we have to give an object or money to someone. Giving of oneself, such as a hug to comfort a person who is distraught,Hugging someone who needs to be reminded that they are special and warm thoughts are sent their way. Thanking a person who took his time in helping a stranger to obtain directions to a specific location. It's easy for us to say, "I have nothing to give". We sometimes forget to take time and give the gift of ourselves. Weekly, our Community Kitchen provides free lunches to any person who walks through the door. Volunteers start at 8 a.m. to chop, wash produce or any other task to have lunch prepared to serve at 11a.m. as people come to the Community Kitchen. Those who walk through those doors are adults, young and old, as well as children. All of these people have one thing in common, they are hungry and have limited income or no income . There is no income requirement to receive a meal. Some of these individuals come to the Kitchen every day a meal is served. The gift a volunteer gives besides a meal, maybe a warm "Hello,how are you?", giving comfort and advice, sharing a laugh,a smile, or a hug. Reaching out to show acceptance with dignity. The volunteers in turn may receive a "Thank you", a hand shake, the warmth that you feel in your heart that makes you beam and smile and know this is a right thing to do and not a wrong thing to do. If only, we would just slow down and remember that the gift of ourselves is the most important gift we can offer to anyone, whether poor or not.
to say thank you

It takes so little.
Yet it means so much.
Make the effort.
No matter the effort.
Mean it.
Say it generously.
It lifts spirits
It maintains friendships.
And seals love.




"who gives not thanks to men, gives not thanks to God".
Arab proverb



to be compassionate


No matter how successful.
No matter how well you're traveling.
Be open to those who are struggling.
It's amazing what even a small gesture can do
for their confidence
and your soul.

"When kindness has left people, even for a few moments, we
become afraid of them as if their reason had left them".

Willa Cather