As the leaves cover the ground and the weather turns colder, I find a calling to reflect on what I have received from family and friends in my life. As Lions, I have received much help and guidance from so many of you. When asked to lead our Club, I was nervous and very much outside my comfort zone. Over the past year, when I needed a boost or helping hand, you were there to lift me up and nudge me along. Being a Lion is something special and I am thankful to be part of such a loving and very giving group of women and men. Thank you for being you, and being in my life.
In this season of thanks and giving, I’d like to share with you some inspirational passages from one of my favorite books, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. These passages help guide me every day. If you have a moment, get a copy, it is a good read.
Chapter 5-Giving begins: “Then said a rich man, ‘Speak to us of Giving.’ And he answered: You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
“There are those who give little of the much which they have – and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome. And there are those who have little and give it all. These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.”
“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.” A few lines later he writes, “It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding; And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.”
“And is there aught you would withhold? All you have shall some day be given; Therefore, give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors’. You often say, “I would give, but 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.”
May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday season.
God Bless and cheers to all,
Matthew Cioffi
