One Of The Greatest Gifts
In her memoirs, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told of growing up in an African-American pastor's family in Birmingham. Despite her parents' busy schedules, they watched The Mickey Mouse Club with her every day. One afternoon the insurance agent came to visit. "He was the only white man I can ever remember coming into our house," recalls Rice. But he came just as it was time to sing: "M-I-C-K-E-Y-...." Mr. Rice politely told the man he would have to wait until they all put on their mouse ears and engaged in the family ritual of singing along."This small gesture was simply one of many that communicated they always had time for me," wrote Condoleezza.
One of the greatest presents we can give is time -- to our children, to our spouse, to our church, to friends, and sometimes to strangers on the street or neighbors in need. It's the most hospitable kind of hospitality. When we give our time without grumbling, we're giving ourselves.
Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give!
Dr. Ben Carson
I welcome your comments and experiences!
Comments (5)
Our quality time when I was a child was suppertime. There was no excuse other than real sickness not to attend and often we would sit there for another hour just talking. Mostly this spirit of togetherness flowed over into cleaning the kitchen when everybody had to chip in. Ans somehow it was fun helping. The mood was right.
When I was married many years ago, my wife and I set Tues eves aside for family night. No tv! We started by eating dinner together and it was usually something special that the kids really liked. We sat and talked after dinner which was a great time!
People who do not spend quality time with their family are missing some wonderful times in their lives!
Buttercup, you were close...but no cigar...as the saying goes.