By: Cynthia Litman
Pearl of the Day: Grace in Action
As making New Year’s resolutions seem like a distant memory, I’m brought back to the fray this Martin Luther King, Jr. day with his pearl, “Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Many have such grandiose ideas of what it means to be of service. You don’t have to have a billion dollar foundation like Bill and Melinda Gates in order to make an impact.
I was walking my son to his bus on a snowy morning and on the walk back I saw our footprints side by side in the snow down my path, driveway and the street. It was so sweet, his, while growing, are still so small yet I realized that he is indeed following in my footsteps, I lead him through this life until he makes his own imprints as a man. During these early precious stages I am showing him the path and he is holding onto my hand fully trusting my lead.
What is he taking away with him when I leave him at the bus? Hopefully, a happy, loving and super delicious heart and a charitable spirit. Our children come into this world with such open loving spirits and I believe it is never too early to engage them in philanthropy. Philanthropy is a state of mind and you can serve someone in the simplest ways.
Sometimes a simple gesture, like a smile can make a world of difference to someone else. Reminds me a bit of the animated film "Ratatouille" – where Chef Gusteau’s motto is “Anyone Can Cook” in that "Anyone Can Serve". It is both that simple yet that complex.
Many people list giving more to charity and doing more volunteer work as a resolution. This is on my list as well to do on my own and with my children. However, sometimes it’s not so easy to know where to start to find a charity and a mission that appeals to us. If you want to write a check, millions of charities will happily accept, but what if you want to do more, give time, do something hands on.
On our Holiday Spirit show, Rabbi Z suggested finding a charity where the dollar you give is the dollar that is spent on the cause, as opposed to on overhead. When we spoke with Jamie Rapfogel of Birthday Wishes, we learned we could do more, we can bring our kids and get hands on and step into a needy family’s life and make a difference by throwing a birthday party.
This week we’ll be speaking with some philanthropic moms who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting who took their tweenage children on a UJA charity mission to the Gulf Coast Region to help with the restoration effort in the ongoing aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Their dedication to leaving lasting imprints upon their children is so inspiring.
My great grandfather was a great philanthropist and used to open his synagogue on Friday nights to serve all in need a warm dinner. He used to walk the streets of Poland with pennies in his pocket to give to children on the street.
While we have a long way to go to reach his stature, just seeing my children help each other and others, even in the simplest ways of sharing toys or giving a bite of their food leaves an imprint upon me and hopefully they will carry that with them as they step through their path in this lifetime.
While we have a long way to go to reach his stature, just seeing my children help each other and others, even in the simplest ways of sharing toys or giving a bite of their food leaves an imprint upon me and hopefully they will carry that with them as they step through their path in this lifetime.
As their hands leave mine, may they walk forward with grace.
Copyright © 2011 Cynthia Litman d/b/a Tigris Imprints. All Rights Reserved.
To View Full Article on the Moms on a UJA Mission Click Here
I would have loved to have met your Great Grandfather he sounds like he was an amazing man. I'm trying to give and be more involve in charity right here in my neighborhood this year. Sometimes the best way we can help is right under our nose - your Great Grandfather seems to have known that!
ReplyDelete