Richelle E. Goodrich shares a lovely story that illuminates the joyful spirit of giving.

May you feel enriched for having enjoyed this story today!

“What is the spirit of Christmas, you ask? Let me give you the answer in a true story…

On a cold day in December, feeling especially warm in my heart for no other reason than it was the holiday season, I walked through the store sporting a big grin on my face.

Though most people were far too busy going about their business to notice me, one elderly gentleman in a wheelchair brought his eyes up to meet mine as we neared each other traveling opposite directions. He slowed in passing just long enough to speak to me.

‘Now that’s a Christmas smile if I ever saw one,’ he said.

My lips stretched to their limit in response, and I thanked him for the compliment. Then we went our separate ways. But, as I thought about the man and how sweetly he’d touched me, I realized something simply wonderful! In that brief, passing interaction we’d exchanged heartfelt gifts!

And that, my friend, is the spirit of Christmas.”

Image source:  morgueFile

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Quotes about giving

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands.  You need to be able to throw something back. ~Maya Angelou

When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous. ~Wayne Dyer

Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good. ~Minor Myers

In a gentle way, you can shake the world. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Scientists have discovered that the small, brave act of cooperating with another person, of choosing trust over cynicism, generosity over selfishness, makes the brain light up with quiet joy. ~Natalie Angier 

Money often costs too much. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson