Live To Give

It's unfortunate that some humans and animals conduct their lives as if they are programed to harm, to hurt, and to take. There are others of their species whose genes and spirit are designed to be caring and giving, and whose ears have heeded the Master's words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive".* My GRANDMA gave me her attention and time which was an expression of her love. As a result, I became a time saver and giver, capitalizing on her investment. As a little lad of six or seven, my dog JACK gave me friendship, loyalty, and protection. His gifts to me were well received and passed on to others who appreciated them. MOTHER gave me respect and tenderness, supporting my every step by believing in me. Never forceful or overbearing; never leaving me out of her equation; ever sensitive. She left a treasure of human goodness that I can only thrive and hope to imitate. My FATHER saw me as a bank to make large deposits of manliness, pride, and self respect. These and so many more jewels, I have sought to reinvest in our children and grands. Outside of and beyond the family unit, I cannot count those who told me to pass it on. These FRIENDS and RELATIVES gave of themselves, their talents, and their resources, insisting on nothing in return. They invested in me, gave unselfishly, and instilled in me the living stones of life. A story is told of a brief interaction at a rich man's funeral. Someone uttered, "I wonder how much he left behind". There came a never truer reply, "He left it all". When I am passed on into eternity, may my Christly traits and any Godly character that I possessed in life be passed on and reinvested in hearts that will in turn reach out and reinvest in others, re-instill and give as they have been given to. When I have crossed over into that land of timeless days and of glory lights without nights, please remind the homeless ones and the staving children whom I gave a care and dollars too. Remind them that I did what I could. When time and space can hold me no longer, let it be that I have freely given all that God have freely given to me. When it comes my time to die, if anybody should ever inquire, "I wonder how much he gave of himself, of his talents, of his resources", may it be said of me, "He gave his all". 092120PSCtest, Givers, Gegina McIntosh *Acts 20:35