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Our “giving” race

Feb 28, 2005

Let’s hear from the little ones

This ‘people’ born from the Gospel, and now present all over the world, also includes children who share the spirituality of unity and live it out in their daily lives. During their most recent International Meeting, a young Korean girl asked Chiara Lubich: “You teach us to give generously, but I do not really have many things to give away. What should I do?”

The answer developed into a colorful booklet that illustrates the many ways of giving:

Lending a pencil; giving a hand to your mother or father; teaching a new game to someone; listening to someone who is talking; giving an answer kindly; giving a piece of your snack to someone; saying “Good morning” and meaning it; forgiving; giving a smile; giving help to someone in need; keeping someone company; giving a gift; giving a hand; giving joy; sharing some good news. Flash experiences:

Sharing some good news

In Mexico City, Cecilia, Martina and Alejandra were invited to talk about their experiences at a local radio station. They prepared themselves and asked Jesus to help them. Cecilia spoke about the art of loving, and Alejandra shared her experience of loving one’s enemies. Martina added: “We decorated a piggy bank where we collected money for children in need. When I receive money, I save it and buy candy which I then sell to earn more money for someone in need, because Jesus is in each of them and one day He’ll tell me: ‘You did it for me’. This year, with our savings, we bought some blankets and sweaters for the poor.”

Give consolation

One day I was playing with my youngest brother while my other brother was asleep. Then my mother sent me to the market to buy bananas and vegetables. When I got home, my brother who was asleep woke up and was crying. “It’s Jesus,” I thought, and I brought him to play with me. To make him happy we played marbles which is the game he likes most. I was happy and our game went very well. (T. – Madagascar)

Keeping someone company

One afternoon, it was very hot and I felt tired. Some of my friends invited me to play ball with them, but the sun was so hot I really did not want to go. Then I thought that I could love them, so I went. After a while, seeing that I was sweating a lot, one of my friends brought me an orange drink. (A. – Pakistan)

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