Long time comedian Jimmy Durante was rushing from one performance to another. He had only a few minutes to spare, but a friend asked him to “take a moment” and say a few words to a group of veterans in a hospital.
Walking into the hospital ward, he went through a brief routine of his favorite jokes. The crowd applauded loudly and cheered for more. He told a few more jokes, and the applause and cheers became louder and longer. The soldiers were thoroughly enjoying every word he spoke, and every joke he shared. Instead of a greeting and “taking a few moments,” he ended up staying for thirty minutes. Finally, he had to leave.
As he was exiting the ward, his manager asked, “What happened? You said you only had a few moments, and you stayed for half an hour.”
“I really needed to leave,” said Durante. “But I want to show you the two men in the front row. See those two men? Look carefully at them.”
When his manager looked at the two men, he noticed that one had lost his right arm, and the other had lost his left arm in combat. But, working together, they were able to clap: one’s right hand reached out to the other’s left hand, and together, they were able to register their delight for the entertainer taking time to be with them.
Happiness does not spring from an empty heart. It comes from sharing the gifts God gives us with others!
Prayer: Help us, Father, to be as generous to others as You have been to each of us. May we always share the gifts You have given us with others in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Psalm 106:3
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