A Christmas Gift
Posted: Wednesday, December 24, 2008
by Barbara Clark
http://www.spiritedstrides.com
My daughter is visiting New York City with a friend of hers who has never been here before. The first night here, I had gotten stuck on a slippery slope and not one passer-by stopped to help us out. In all fairness to my fellow New Yorkers, it was a very cold night so people were probably focused on getting inside to a warm place as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the experience only reinforced my visitor's stereotype of urban residents who keep to themselves, even when there is someone in need right in front of them.
Later, at the show, when my daughter asked the waitress if there were free refills on soda, the waitress explained that there were no free refills, but told her and her friend not to worry about. So all night long, she refilled their sodas--for the price of one. I was grateful and gave her an extra tip!
Last night's experiences may seem trivial to some, but for me, they are demonstrations of acting in love by giving to others. What better gift for my daughter and her friend to witness and receive than that!
So in the spirit of Christmas, I am reminded of Jesus' words:
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." John 13:34
Just imagine the possibilities if we would live this way: everyday!
Merry Christmas!
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Nice sentiments that all is not lost in a very dark world after all.Perhaps the world is not really dark! Happy Holidays and thanks for commenting!
hi barbara,if there were no times of bad, we wouldn't know what good feels like.there are all types of people wherever you go. it's the people, not the city or state, that need to strive for altruism, all through the year.as i worry about my son going into the air force on the 13th, i also have to realize he could be hurt in a car accident, or work-he lifts heavy doors and objects where he works, and although i don't want him going into Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, India, or wherever else there is fighting, his friend was held up at gunpoint in front of his apartment for 20 dollars. why can't we all just get along?my best to you,have a great new year, filled with all you desire,best regards,sueSue, Thanks for commenting and reminding me that the contrast (of what we don't want) does help us to focus and know what we want! I wish your son safety and security as he enters into his newest journey of military service. Blessings and peace to you, too! Warmly, Barbara
I have been to New York twice and absolutely loved it. I was apprehensive the first time, but my wife reassured me that it would be fine, and it was. The people, both times, were remarkable. Business men, in a hurry, would stop and ask us if we needed help finding our way around (we must have looked lost). On one occasion, a young couple asked us if we wanted to share a cab with them. We did, and when we were dropped off at our destination first, they refused to let us pay our portion. In general, I found the people of New York City to be friendly and hospitable.David, Glad to hear that your trips here were friendly. I love New York and that includes the New Yorkers, too! I've lived here 8 years already--not sure at what point I become a "New Yorker." Thanks for stopping by and commenting here. Warmly, Barbara
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