Many years ago I was given lots of items from friends after we lost everything. There was this one night I rode around with my brother to collect items given to me and my family. We stopped and picked up items from people working at the pentagon, all ranks and all give me a hug and some advice. There was this one item that was really beyond anything I could imagine receiving. This lady gave us a new dining room set, table, chairs and china cabinet. It was solid wood and even came with protective things you would place on the table. I thanked everyone for all the gifts and I was so happy we had anything. Then we had some of everything and we were so happy. Thank you all.
One of our old friends came to the apartment one day and fell in love with that dining room. We noted her joy and continued rebuilding our lives. Finally it was time to move and the first thing we moved was that dining room set to our friends place. It was the finest item we had but when we arrived with this gift to her the joy was greatest. I truly felt the joy the person felt on the day I received that gift. Over those years we slowly gave to others all the items we received, except for one item. It felt wonderful receiving and twice as nice in giving.
That one item I still have to this day. It is a suit I received from a General. When we arrived that night at his home he came out and helped us put his gifts to us in the truck. Then he said to me, son we all fall down it is your time to get back up and win. He continued telling me it’s the character of the person who gets back up and goes on, you will do wonderful things with your life. Then he handed me that suit and told me one day I would be wearing it to work. Every time I look at that suit I remember his wisdom and I give thanks again.
Much joy and love to you and yours