Life Lessons from a Pastor’s Family: The Power of Sharing

A few years ago, I had the privilege of conversing with a preacher’s family. During our interaction, two incidents unfolded that left a profound impact on me and imparted valuable life lessons. Let me commence with the first incident. As I engaged in conversation with the pastor, his wife kindly served us bowls of ice cream.

One of their younger children, a six-year-old, ventured out onto the veranda clutching a cup of ice cream. What transpired next caught my attention; the pastor’s wife paused for a moment and then proceeded to address the child firmly. Intrigued by this sudden turn of events, I felt compelled to investigate the cause of this abrupt change in demeanor.

Before I could make my way outside to inquire, the pastor’s wife took hold of the child’s arm and posed a poignant question: “Do you want to show other children that you have ice cream and they don’t?” She continued, “If you can’t share with others, you should eat alone.” It was evident that there were other children nearby who gazed longingly at the enticing ice cream cup.

The pastor’s wife’s response was both insightful and compassionate. She highlighted the importance of sharing and the impact it can have on others. Her message was clear: if we possess something that others desire but cannot share, it is wiser to enjoy it privately rather than flaunt it in front of those who might feel deprived.

This incident left an indelible mark on me, and it continues to resonate as a source of inspiration. It underscores the profound significance of empathy and the idea that our actions can either uplift or diminish the well-being of those around us.

In a world often driven by individualism and self-centeredness, this simple yet powerful lesson serves as a reminder of the positive impact we can have by extending kindness and generosity to others. It encourages us to think beyond our immediate desires and consider the feelings and needs of those we encounter.

Sharing, in its essence, is not merely about distributing material possessions; it encompasses the act of giving, understanding, and acknowledging the shared human experience. It reflects our capacity to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering bonds of compassion and camaraderie.

As we navigate the complexities of life, we should carry this valuable lesson with us—the notion that our actions ripple outward, affecting the lives of those we encounter. By practicing kindness, empathy, and a willingness to share, we have the potential to create a more harmonious and compassionate world.

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In conclusion, the encounter with the pastor’s family and the lesson imparted by the pastor’s wife serve as a poignant reminder of the significance of sharing and empathy. It underscores the transformative power of our actions and the positive influence we can exert by considering the well-being of others. In a society often preoccupied with self-interest, these principles stand as beacons of hope, guiding us towards a more empathetic and interconnected world.

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About the Author

Santosh Avvannavar

Santosh Avvannavar Alumnus of NITK, Surathkal & IISc, Bengaluru CEO QtSTEAM I Mentor QtPi Robotics I RJ I Columnist Soft skills Trainer, Author, Counsellor & Consultant Best Seller of 'She: Ekla Cholo Re' TEDx Organiser & 11 time read more...

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