Comments on: The Spirit of Offering

By: Rand

Rand — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:39:23 +0000

Hi Tess,

Such a conscious way of living each day brings us closer to the Divine.

Thank you!

Your post brought this question back to me:

“Can I live a life of giving that would light up someone’s sky?”

The question was being asked by ‘Souldipper’ during Uzma’s latest post.

When I work at the San Diego Convention sometimes I park on the street near Father Joe’s Village. A huge tented compound has been constructed recently to give shelter for many this winter. It does get pretty cold and wet here in San Diego. I remember one very cold rainy night as I was making my way quickly to my car, a shivering man asked me if I had anything dry for him? I instantly gave him my favorite coat off my back. Thank you for mentioning the elderly that live alone. I have my ‘Little Mom’ (a bit over 4 feet and 70 some pounds) who is alone. I invited her over for Thanksgiving…she declined…so I did the next best thing by bringing her ample food the next day and doing a little fix-up work for her.

All your other suggestions are wonderful!

By: Deborah

Deborah — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:58:42 +0000

Hi Tess! I so loved this post! The shoes you offered you moving men reminded me of a woman we knew when we lived in the West Indies; she cleaned our home. She was a lovely woman and for decades after we left the island (until she passed away, I believe), my parents continued to send her shoes and other items twice a year. It was a small act of kindness that made her everyday life a little bit easier. Living in a third world country as a young person — a place where sewage ran in ditches along the sides of the street and the operating theater of the hospital had no screens — drove home for me how incredibly blessed we are. Thanks so much for sharing this!

By: Bill Dorman

Bill Dorman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:40:01 +0000

Great story; I’m a firm believer if you can give without any expectations in return you will be rewarded many times over.

I try to be as outward thinking as possible; my volunteer work with the Guardian ad Litem program has allowed me to improve on this and be much less judgmental.

I saw you at Stu’s so thought I’d drop by; thanks for sharing.

By: Tina Wills

Tina Wills — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:29:45 +0000

I tend to put the extra fruit and vege’s that grow in my yard and food I’m not going to use the rest of in a bag and take it down to the “locals beach” in Kona and drop it off. Your post prompted me to put on my grocery list bar soap as well as some other food items today to add to the food package I plan to drop off for Thanksgiving to my local outdoor living friends.

By: Lubna

Lubna — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:23:29 +0000

Nice post. I firmly believe and have seen it happen that the more you give the more you get back. One of the things that I like about Islam is the mandatory Zakat, giving a part of your income to the needy for their sustenance, for medical or educational relief. I’ve learnt about giving through this tenet. It really requires you to keep aside part of your salary for giving back to society.
http://writerscyberslate.blogspot.com/2011/08/eid-mubarak-eid-greetings-happy-eid.html
But as you rightly said, giving is much more than just giving monetary aid, it can be as simple as a hug to someone who is down and out at your workplace.
Best,
Lubna

By: Noel

Noel — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:57:03 +0000

Tess, this is so heart-warming and I’m thrilled with your generosity. Yes indeed, every small act of kindness can make a big difference, for instance, a stranger’s smile can just brighten up our day, isn’t it? Thank you so much for the reminder. Let’s spread the love together!

By: Sophia

Sophia — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:45:05 +0000

One beautiful and warm article, thank you for sharing your brilliant experience, and I enjoy it. Neverless today is thanksgiving day or not, I would like to always keep a thankful attitude to things and persons .

By: Tess The Bold Life

Tess The Bold Life — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:34:49 +0000

Hi John,
Older people especially need to feel loved. It’s difficult to age and feel like you matter in our world today. Thanks for being you!

By: Tess The Bold Life

Tess The Bold Life — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:33:09 +0000

Louisa,
Yes I’m a softie as well. You must have a big heart! Thanks for your support. I appreciate you.

By: Tess The Bold Life

Tess The Bold Life — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:31:56 +0000

Mac,
I think we remember a lot about what we give because it makes us feel good. I’ve never walked away feeling sorry for help that I gave to another. Although I have walked away expecting something in return…giving without expectations of any kind is the best;)