Day 46 - Holiday Tea

Thought of the day:  This morning I read a touching story about a couple displaced by the Fourmile Canyon Fire donating Christmas gifts to three needy boys.  When people are in need themselves, they tend to be more acutely aware of the real sufferings of others.  Their own difficult situations make them more aware and compassionate and thus kindle their generous giving spirit which, I believe, lies in the heart of every human being.  On the other side, when you are rich and live comfortably for too long, you may loose touch with reality and the real people.  Your fire of generosity may become dormant.  I wonder if that explains why, statistically speaking, the poorer you are, the more generous you tend to be.  Coloradans earn more than national average, but they give less;  Boulderites earn even more than state average, but they give even less.  I wonder what it will take for the spirit of generosity to be rekindled in people.  Maybe the Fourmile Fire was one such extraordinary event and the statistics for 2010 will be different from the past?  Maybe more people will realize that giving is not only a blessing for those who receive, it's even a greater blessing for those who give, as it can open up your mind and heart, put your own life into perspective, and give you real peace and happiness.

Photo of the day:

Hotel Boulderado's Storytime Tea, a benefit for the Parenting Place.  'Tis the season...a season of sweets, a season of celebration and a season of giving.