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Office: (519) 326-3138
E-mail: ruthven@x5ca.net
P.O. Box 370, 1907 Queen Boulevard
Ruthven, Ontario N0P 2G0
What
is the quality you most admire in another - a gorgeous smile, a good
sense of humour, a kind heart, a forgiving nature, a great talent? I
don't know about you, but I admire all these wonderful qualities in my
friends. Yes, when we look around we see so many happy,
caring,
dedicated, gifted people. But I have to say that the quality I most
admire in a friend is a GENEROUS SPIRIT. Yes, I believe that generosity
is a virtue worth its weight in gold.What does it mean to have a GENEROUS SPIRIT? For me GENEROSITY is the willingness to give all you have to help someone else; it is the willingness to share your blessings with a joyful heart; it is the ability to reach out and help those who need help without judging, without fear, without regret; it means sharing for the sheer joy of being able to share, and expecting nothing in return.
How many generous people do you know? Perhaps it's not human nature to be generous, or perhaps we are just taught to be selfish. Children share openly and willingly and even happily. But as we grow wiser in the ways of the world we find it more prudent to take care of ourselves first. I suppose it all comes from fear - fear of having nothing, fear of being alone, fear of failure, fear of having no one to love. But it's sad, isn't it? It's sad that so many lose the opportunity for true happiness because they are afraid to be generous.
When I think of all the generous people who have supported our HAITI MISSION PROJECT I am truly amazed! This week my husband, John, and one of our good friends, Lyle Smith, will be travelling to Haiti. They go on this Mission Trip out of generous hearts to share their time and talents with the children of Haiti. They go to REACH OUT A HELPING HAND. They go to share the generous gifts so many in the community have donated toward this project. I know that they will return with happy hearts. I know because it truly is MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE - and in giving we receive so much more than we can ever imagine! So say a little prayer for John & Lyle, and for all the children of Haiti. As we REACH OUT TO SHARE OUR BLESSINGS, may God fill all our hearts with peace and joy!
Kingsville Reporter - May 11, 2004
Linda Blair, Pastoral Minister
Ruthven Pastoral Charge