Wednesday, March 16, 2011

i-TFTD #309: Short Poems, Lingering Reflections

#309-1. There are those who give little of the much which they have
And they give it for recognition.
There are those who have a little
And give it all.
It is well to give when asked,
But it is better to give unasked through understanding.
You often say I would give only to the deserving.
The trees in your orchard say not so,
Nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.
-Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese American poet and writer (1883-1931)

#309-2. A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,
A song is no song 'til you sing it,
And love in your heart
Wasn't put there to stay
Love isn't love
Till you give it away.
-Oscar Hammerstein II, American playwright, lyricist and theatrical producer (1895-1960)

(Thanks to Maria Rodrigues for sharing this.)

#309-3. "Faith" is a fine invention
For gentlemen who see
But microscopes are prudent
In an emergency.
-Emily Dickinson, poet (1830-1886)

____
Most of us have experienced the deep sense of inner satisfaction when circumstances and intention let us be of some help to another person. But we get caught up in the ways of the world, fueled by aspirations, busily fulfilling our expanding needs and rationalize some of our behaviors as being smart and competitive. Some rediscover the joy of giving in the twilight years after moving out of the rat race.

Giving money or other material help is fine but even intangible giving can make a big difference. Give a word of appreciation—today.

The third quote is juxtaposed to avoid getting carried away in a touchy-feely way!

A logical rea! son for how we gain when we give was discussed in i-TFTD #15: The Law of Giving.

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