I
ran across a great story the other day and thought I'd share it.
Here's the short version:
In
Soul Food, Jack Kornfield and Christina Feldman tell the story of an
Illinois family whose young daughter became ill and was diagnosed
with a life-threatening blood disease.
A
search went out for a compatible donor but, as she had a rare blood
type, none could be found. Then it was discovered that her 6-year-old
brother shared her blood type. The boy’s mother and doctor sat down
with him to ask if he was willing to donate blood to save his
sister’s life.
To
their surprise, he didn’t answer right away. He needed some time to
think about it. After a few days, he came back to his mother and
announced he would do it.
As
Kornfield and Feldman write:
The
following day the doctor brought both children to his clinic and
placed them on cots next to each other. He wanted them to see how one
was helping the other.
First
he drew a half pint of blood from the young boy’s arm. Then he
moved it over to his sister’s cot and inserted the needle so her
brother could see the effect.
In
a few minutes color began to pour back into her cheeks.
Then
the boy motioned for the doctor to come over. He wanted to ask a
question, very quietly.
"Will
I start to die right away?" he asked.
You
see, when he had been asked to donate his blood to save his sister’s
life, his 6-year old mind understood the process literally. He
thought he was trading his life for his sister’s.
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The
New Testament tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive.
But even if you don't subscribe to Christianity, the wisdom of sages
throughout history have said the same thing.
Taoism
suggests we extend our help without seeking reward. Buddha said that
contentment is found in a generous heart, kind speech, and a life of
service and compassion.
Hope
you liked this little story. Give me a call if I can help you in any
way.
On
your Team,
Ken
951-760-3833
KenAHall@gmail.com
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