December 19, 2014

Why It’s More Blessed to be Generous than Good Looking by Jerry Murray

Almost twenty years ago in Baltimore, Kim and I spent our first Christmas together as a married couple.  I worked at a public accounting firm; Kim was a physical therapist at an inner city rehabilitation hospital.  She loved her patients and regularly shared stories about their gratitude, humility, unique personalities and tremendous effort to regain strength.

It was no surprise that Kim suggested we stop by the hospital on Christmas morning to visit her new friends, wish them a Merry Christmas and deliver a small gift.  I thought it was a great idea.

On Christmas morning, our simple two-person assembly line prepared plates of fruit, cookies and candy wrapped with a bow.  Kim was pumped and, although I was a bit nervous, I was all in.

When we entered the dark, one-story structure in an older part of the city, I remember immediately feeling the warmth of the staff and, even more so,  the kindness of the patients as they received us and our plate of treats.  The dark setting was overcome by the brightness of individual connections.

Upon meeting me, one of Kim’s patients even commented that she had a handsome husband!  I forgot who was giving and who was receiving.  It was that kind of moment.

That morning didn’t feel entirely natural for me, but it taught me something that I’ve believed and tried to practice since:  The rewards of being relationally generous almost always far exceed the risks.  The adventure of leaving your comfort zone has great potential in your family, community and organization.

As Kim and I left the hospital, we debriefed:

Me:  I am really glad we did that…how about your patient saying you have a handsome husband?

Kim:  (laughing) It WAS great.  By the way, I forgot to tell you that he is legally blind.

My other lesson that day…one way or the other, sincere generosity can even overcome mediocre looks.

Merry Christmas!