Hi Richard,
Most people feel happy when they receive. Things received could be tangible like a gift, money or intangible like love, recognition, etc. How do you compare it with the happiness one gains from giving things out to others?
In Tian Jin (天津), China, Mr. Fang-li Bai (白芳禮) earned his living by riding tricycle. At the age of 74, Mr. Bai thought about retirement and went back to his village. He saw a lot of poor kids on the streets. Their family couldn't afford sending them to schools. Mr. Bai himself had no education but deeply believed on its value. He resumed his tricycle riding and saved money for their education. In the next 12 years, he accumulated a total of $350,000 (approximately Cdn$50,000) and had financially assisted more than 300 poor kids.
In 1999 winter, Mr.Bai shivered in a train station for 3 months. He insisted to earn 50 cents or a dollar by looking after other's bicycles. When he filled up his lunch box with $500, he rode to a middle school. The heavy snow storm made his body wet, his hair and beard white. He handed in the lunch box to the teachers and said, "I can't work any more. Probably it is the last sum of money that I can give...” All the teachers were moved and cried.
Mr. Bai died in 2005 at the age of 93.
The Bible said, "It is better to give than to receive (施比受更為有福)". Share with you this real and warm story. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
With love, Patrick