I Just Inspired Myself
Our friend Joe S. was collecting toys for a toy drive to benefit needy kids from a section of Brooklyn, New York called Bedford-Stuyvesant. Shya and I donated toys to Joe at a recent Monday Night Alive, but it didn’t feel like “enough”. First of all, we really feel an urge to give to others – and secondly, we absolutely want to support Joe in expressing his passion for taking care of others. So, with the encouragement of parents with small kids, I was reassured that Play Dough was in fact a great gift, I headed back to the local WalMart.
As I entered through the main door, I saw a big box asking for donations for a local toy drive to benefit kids in our area here in New Jersey. Keeping that in mind, I bought 10 boxes of multi-colored Play Dough (cost me only $20 for all) and as I left the store, I went back to the entrance to put some in the box.
As I dropped a carton of Play Dough in the box, the woman at the Customer Service counter, alerted by the sound, turned to see what was happening. She said with sincerity, “Thank you very much.” As I continued to place box after box in there, her eyes got larger and I swear she almost teared up as she said again a very heartfelt “Thank You VERY much!” I almost started crying.
During that week, I had a dream that I had so much “stuff” that I didn’t know where to put it. I actually am happy that this year my family is drawing names – so that we aren’t obligated to buy and give more stuff that we don’t need or can’t afford. I feel so inspired to have given something small like Play Dough as a gift and knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of these children in need. I certainly got more than what I paid in the fullness of my heart.
Shya joins me when I say I am looking forward to seeing you at Monday Night Alive.
With love, respect and a tender heart,
Ariel
