I was speaking in a classroom of third-graders one day about kindness and generosity. I asked the kids why we should do nice things for one another. Hands popped up: “Because it’s the right thing to do.” “Because it makes the other person feel good.” “Because then they’ll be nice to you.” Then a girl in the corner said, “Because when you share with people, it makes you bigger; and when you don’t share, it makes you smaller.”
This child articulated something that even many adults never get. Giving makes us bigger. What I think she meant by bigger is that the very act of giving makes the real truth about life that mystics, sages, and even certain scientists are trying to get us to understand—we are completely interconnected. Not really seperate, even though it seems as though we are.
Contemporary Reading
Radical Generosity by M.J. Ryan
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Scripture Reading
Acts 2:43-46 (NRSV)
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