An Illustration of Giving

A few days ago, I was driving down a busy street when I saw a homeless man. I noticed that guy was sitting on the sidewalk and making an attempt to draw something. I drove close and offered him some biscuits I had in the car. Astonishingly, he offered me a pencil in return, it was the same and only pencil he was using to do his sketch. His gesture moved me deeply. All he had was a pencil and paper as his possessions at that point and he was even offering that to me in return for some food. It left me spellbound. Not only I experienced kindness, but I also saw it in front of my eyes. I did not take a pencil from that person, but I certainly took a life lesson of “giving”. Giving is the true essence of life and that is also the source of our happiness. Personally, I’ve always felt that giving brings me more happiness than receiving, whether it be a genuine smile, a few words of encouragement, some food or clothing, a life lesson, or just part of my time. I believe, it is not about what you are giving, the value lies in your intent of giving. He made me realize that worldly things have no intrinsic worth but the intention with which we give them is where the significance lies. Given his innocence and the fact that it was all he had that day, that pencil became priceless. 

Let us also strive to give a little more because the joy of giving is truly liberating! 

“When you give

You heartily live”

Mansi