There are some people who are takers and some that are givers. Takers may eat a little better, but givers sleep a whole lot better. – Danny Thomas
Suzy and I were leaving Lessons and Carols last night and listening to Marlo Thomas being interviewed about the anniversary edition of her classic children’s album Free To Be You and Me and St. Jude’s fiftieth anniversary. My interest was peaked because I lived in Memphis during the time St. Jude’s was getting started, the Danny Thomas Show was a mainstay, and the enormous effort the Thomas family went to make St. Jude’s the national treasure it is today. Marlo was asked whether celebrities like herself had an obligation to give back some of their success. She surprised the interviewer by saying no. She went on to explain that there are too many should’ves in this world. People ought to feel free to do what makes them feel right, not necessarily do what others think they should. The she repeated her father’s words and they stuck with me through the evening.
There are some people who are takers and some that are givers. Takers may eat a little better, but givers sleep a whole lot better.
What a wonderful Advent message, not just about the monuments of gifts we give and receive every year, but how one goes about their life. When Jesus was tempted in the dessert the devil tried to turn him into a taker with the offer of food and water, riches and wealth, and ultimately power. Jesus chose to be a giver not just in his death, but by giving us words and an examples of how to live our life.
Think about your life in the quiet of your day. Do you give of your friendship, your loyalty, and your love freely, or are there strings attached such as a need to get a little back? Advent is a time to examine giving in all aspects, not just of our material wealth and possessions. We ask how can I become more of a giver and less of a taker. Are we givers to our surroundings, to our community, and to our family and friends?
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