Sunday, November 22, 2009

Thanksgiving

I am reading Mitch Albom's new book "Have a Little Faith". In one of the chapters, he asked the rabbi the secret to happiness. The rabbi said "To be happy is to be grateful."

There is a Tanzanian woman who runs a fascinating African antique store in the most wealthy neighborhood here. One time I ran into her on the street after I finished the volunteer work in Tanzania. I was really excited to see her and told her about the agricultural training program I created in the rural area. But I was shocked when she said to me with anger, "I can't believe my government lets anyone go to my country and do whatever they want." I was stunned and baffled. Then I realized how lucky I was that the farmers I worked with opened their hearts to receive me. I always knew that I was blessed to have something to give but I never put much thought about being given the permission and opportunity to give was another blessing. The people I came across while working on the project opened my eyes through their suffering, kindness, dedication and greed. I am grateful for the experience they gave me and for giving me one of their good sons - Moses whom I lost to a car accident at the end of the training program.


This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the capacity to give and to love. For that is the source of happiness.