It’s a good year to have a good year. I went to church this morning. We go to St. Mary’s on the Lake, located in Verona Beach. It’s not our local parish, but we sort of adopted it last summer and have continued to attend. Father Wirkes told us a story this morning, and it went like this. Long ago on the island of Fuji, a teacher of twenty years was retiring. Being loved by her students, a party was planned. One of the youngest students gave her a gift which she liked very much. It made her smile. It was a conch shell. The teacher knowing that the conch shell was not found in the area, asked the young boy where he got it. He explained that he had walked many miles to the ocean to get the shell for her. The teacher replied, “That is a long and difficult walk.” Without hesitation, the boy simply said, “Long walk is part of the gift.”
Something that is given voluntarily and without compensation. That is the short version of the meaning of the word gift, according to the American Heritage Dictionary. I know because I looked it up. Then I thought about this boy, who realized even at his young age that it wasn’t just the shell. It was the effort and the time getting the shell.
Let’s not let the real reason for giving a gift end with the material gift exchange. Adding meaning to your giving may require a “long walk.”
There are many ways to enjoy giving generously: choosing charities with missions that match your personal interest; investing your time and remembering that your thoughts and actions are the true gifts.
Because my family started playing and loving lacrosse over thirty-five years ago, it naturally became a family passion. That is why when Casey started The Casey Powell World Lacrosse Foundation, to help and support sick or severely injured players of this game and their families, that I wanted to show my gratitude. So, I have joined the hundreds of other CPWLF foundation members and volunteers who have already showed how to inspire people and make their lives richer.
It’s January, and where I live, it sometimes means cold temperatures and winter blues. If you’re feeling shut in or experiencing what we call in upstate New York, “cabin fever”, then it’s actually a great time to take a “long walk” as a family and instill good values with kindness. You will be a better you!
Sue Powell