Last year, I started a birthday tradition of GIVING – through acts of service or give gifts of love to people I appreciate. Here is a story about kindness which goes back more than three decades ago, nonetheless, this simple story is especially meaningful as the kindness shown made a positive difference in my life.
I was reminded of my late grand uncle (he was my mother’s uncle). He had taught me an important lesson on giving when I was 6 years old. He and his family were invited to my eldest brother’s birthday party many years ago. Grand uncle handed me a nicely wrapped present. I thought he had mistaken my brother’s birthday for my birthday. So I told grand uncle that it wasn’t my birthday, it’s my brother’s and the present should be given to him. Grand uncle told me that he had already given my brother his birthday present and this particular one was meant for me. I didn’t quite understand why I should be receiving a gift when it wasn’t my birthday and I felt that I shouldn’t be taking presents that were meant for my brother. Although the gift was nicely wrapped and I did not know what was inside the wrapped gift, I felt that it was not right to be taking something that was not meant for me, so I firmly refused to accept the gift. Sensing my strong resistance, grand uncle decided to convince me that the present was indeed meant for me. He told me that my brother couldn’t have this gift because it was a dress that was meant for me. After hearing that, I accepted the gift with big smiles and thanked him. His simple thoughtfulness made me feel really special. It meant a great deal to me to receive a gift that was specially for me even when I was not celebrating my birthday nor was it Christmas season.
It has been 25 years since my grand uncle passed on, however, the memory of his generosity and acts of love remain fresh in my heart. What I have learnt from him when I was 6 years old is that we do not need to wait for someone’s birthday to tell them that they are remembered, appreciated, cared for and that they truly matter.
As a birthday tradition, last year, I spent my time doing some volunteerism work. This year, I wanted to show appreciation to people who had in one way or another made a positive difference in my life by giving them little, humble gifts from the heart.
My Godma is one of the few receivers. Godma is a special person, who has played a significant role in helping me in my spiritual growth. When I gave her a small gift on my birthday as a token of my sincere appreciation, she asked me an interesting question; What prompted me to give gifts on my birthday? I shared with her the story of what my grand uncle had taught me slightly over three decades ago, I also shared with her why I think it’s more important to GIVE than to receive.
Here’s my humble sharing : I think it’s important to practice an attitude of GIVING. I may not be academically inclined neither am I wealthy, nonetheless, I can still put a smile on people’s faces and make them feel that they truly matter. Although, I am not much of a talker, I can still show that I care through some form of acts of kindness or affection (instead of expressive words). Another reason why I give gifts on my birthday is because I want to express GRATITUDE for God’s blessings. As I celebrate my life (on my birthday), I also celebrate the receivers’ presence, showing my appreciation to them. God made them special in their own unique way. It’s just a small way of telling them that because of them my journey is made more meaningful and worthwhile.
My birthday is NOT about ME. It’s about celebration of God’s GRACE and HIS abundant LOVE. Instead of thinking what I could receive on my birthday, I ask myself why not think of ways to surprise others, and bring them joy by letting them know that someone does care and think of them
My gifts are usually humble and inexpensive, and yes, I could have used the money to buy nice presents for myself and make myself happy rather than buy gifts for others. However, it makes me ponder, if I buy gifts for myself, only I will feel happy, if I share gifts with others, not only will I create ripples of happiness, but I will feel happy knowing that I might have brought smiles to many faces. So, happiness is multiplied when shared.
Personally, grand uncle’s kind gestures, have taught me a significant lesson that had impacted and changed my life, which could be summed up like this…… Things you did for yourself will leave with you when you’re gone, but things you did for others will LIVE ON long after you’re gone. I miss him very much, however, his single simple acts of giving has changed my perspective in life and his kind deed still LIVE ON in my heart and is well remembered long after he is gone.
( My 1st birthday with my Grand-uncle Soon Thye and Aunty Kimberly )
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A friend of mine shared this beautiful video about the joy of giving and being kind that make my heart sings. I love to share it with you 🙂
Watch the video above. Here’s the summary of the story…
Nine-year-old Keaton Hamin is a rock star when it comes to caring about others. When he was at the Winnepeg Jets hockey game he was the lucky recipient of a signed hockey stick… every kid’s dream come true!
While he was holding his new prized possession, Keaton noticed a girl with a shaved head had come down to see the stick for herself. Her name was Alyx Delaloye and she was bald due to a battle with Leukemia. Alyx made her way back up to her seats after checking out Keaton’s awesome new stick. But then something incredible was caught on camera.
Young Keaton ran after Alyx and gave her the stick he just won! Then, when Keaton was back at his lower-level seats, Alyx walked down and gave him a huge hug. It was truly one of the most innocent and precious moments caught on live TV I’ve ever seen!
(Video and Keaton’s story’s credit goes to http://inspiremore.com/)
Kindness is one thing you can never give away, it always come back!
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