Mysterious Giver ...

(This writing was originally posted last year during Thanksgiving time)

There is this story about “The Mitten Tree,” by Candace Christensen, where this lonely older lady felt compassionate to a lone, young boy who was watching other children playing in the snow with his bare hands in his pockets. So, she decided to knit a pair of mittens for that boy. She enjoyed seeing the happiness in his face and being the mysterious giver. The lady decided to knit one new pair each day and hung them in a different branch of the tree for each child that has no mittens. Children enjoyed this gift giving game where they would search thru every branch of the tree to find the mittens of the day. The day before the winter holiday, this lady hung different color of mittens on every branch of the spruce tree.

This lady has found her happiness thru the gift that she has been giving to the children. She never expected anything in return but the happiness and contentment found in the children face. She felt as if her life was fuller from the laughter and expressions that the children had. One day, in return, she found a mysterious basket lying on her front porch filled with different color of yarns.

 

We are very lucky to live in this part of the world where people are quite generous when come to sharing their wealth. People have been involved in reaching out to the less fortunate, to the victims of many different disasters from different parts of the world.

Let’s pause during this thanksgiving time to express our gratitude for those who have been playing a crucial role in assisting the needy. Because of them, there are less people who would die from cold, hunger and lack of shelters. Because of them, there are a lot of children that would go to sleep with a full tummy. Because of them, there are a lot of children that would have some place to turn in before the darkness beckoned.

I would like to take this opportunity in my journey to wish everyone, “Happy Thanksgiving!” May this thanksgiving bring you all happiness that is beyond what you have given to others. And perhaps inspire the rest us to be the "Mysterious Giver!"

Until next stop,
Journey of Life