Did you watch the recent account of a former U.S. Marine who just happened to be near ground zero in New York that tragic day 6 years ago. His story was central to a truly emotional T.V. show that built his family a wonderful new home. A beautiful example of joy thru generosity!

A bright light shined out of the darkness that day when he risked his own safety to find two policemen alive, trapped in the rubble. Like countless others, many of whom gave their lives for others that day and despite the life threatening conditions, he found the courage to act; not for reward or praise but because he is a human being and it was something he just had to do.                          

A golden thread of generosity permeated the show. The policemen trapped trying to help others; the volunteer helping the policemen; and the T.V. shows' building crew helping out his family. Despair turned to hope.

When we ask the question, "What will be asked of us?", the answer may come in many forms. That ex marine had no idea what was in store that day, nor did most of us. Nonetheless, each day we are all given opportunities to be generous, sometimes in big ways and some times in other ways.

Perhaps at the grocery store, through a smile instead of a frown at the checkout stand; or in traffic, by taking a deep breath and remembering none of us are perfect when someone in front of us fails to make a left turn; or with friends and colleagues, by choosing positive words and phrases during a conversation and not giving power to the darkness out there. 

Perhaps the starting point is to be generous to ones' self. I don't refer here to selfishness but to self care. I believe Mother Theresa once said she needed to nourish herself first to be able to nourish others. Perhaps we need only to begin with ourselves. To ask the question each day, "What are my intentions?"; How healthy am I (physically, emotionally and spiritually)?" and "What needs to be done to enhance my contribution to myself and this planet." Perhaps now is the time to take inventory.  To read more on compassion and generosity, check out our previous article "Boomer Generation Are We Up For The Challenge?".

As it is written:

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference

 Enjoy!

 Anthony