PAST MOTIVATIONS

Yesterday my Brother Jeff, sister Priscille and a couple of friends packed up 1065 toys that we plan to distribute next Sunday to children in Cavaillon, Haiti. Children who otherwise would not receive any gifts this holiday season.

As we made boxes and label them, I couldn’t help thinking of the many listeners who heard our plea and came forward to give to the less fortunate.

At Christmas time, it’s customary for us to receive gifts. We have the traditional gift exchange at work and of course some of you go crazy looking for that perfect gift for a family member or a friend.

Each time we give something to someone around holidays, we are also expecting something back from that person. In fact, our gifts are often investments expecting a bigger return. Sometimes we are so disappointed when we receive something of lesser value from someone to whom we gave something valuable.

As we sorted to the games yesterday, I couldn’t help thinking of you who took the time to go shopping an buy those gifts. I couldn’t help thinking of you who made generous monetary donations.

What makes you different from others who will give gifts during this holiday season is the fact that the person you bought those gifts for have no way to pay you back. They are not only financially unable to give you something back, they don’t even know you and you don’t know them. To me, that is giving pure and simple. Giving with no strings attached, giving unconditionally.

I can’t help but seeing the smile on the face of each and everyone of you who either handed me some toys or a check. You gave with joy. You are what the Apostle Paul calls in II Corinthians 9:6-9, a cheerful giver.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

“Sachez-le, celui qui sème peu moissonnera peu, et celui qui sème abondamment moissonnera abondamment. Que chacun donne comme il l'a résolu en son coeur, sans tristesse ni contrainte; car Dieu aime celui qui donne avec joie. Et Dieu peut vous combler de toutes sortes de grâces, afin que, possédant toujours en toutes choses de quoi satisfaire à tous vos besoins, vous ayez encore en abondance pour toute bonne oeuvre, selon qu'il est écrit: Il a fait des largesses, il a donné aux indigents; Sa justice subsiste à jamais.”

Words are not enough to express our gratitude for your generosity. I trust in the words of the Apostle knowing that God will remember your good deeds.

As for you who could not give or did not have time, let me simply say that all is not lost. This is a long term project and the opportunities will be there.

Man Dodo would have been proud of you. In her name and that of my brother and sisters, I thank you.

By Edloz

MOTIVATIONAL ARCHIVES:
Motivations March
Motivations April
Motivations May
Motivations June
Motivations July
Motivations August
Motivations September
Motivations October
Motivation Nov/1/05
Motivation Nov/9/05
Motivation Dec/1/05