Giving

When Mother Teresa of India visited Los Angeles a few years ago, a physician named Gerald Jampolski heard her speak. Attracted by the spiritual power that emanated from her, he asked her, 'Would it be all right if I accompanied you on your coming tour to Mexico? Whenever I am around you, I feel the presence of God.'

She replied, 'Dr. Jampolski, I do not object to your joining me, but you said you wanted to experience inner peace. Find out how much it costs to fly to Mexico and give that money to feed and clothe someone in need, and you will find the inner peace you seek.' Dr. Jampolski followed her advice and discovered that she was right. That portion of our money that brings us the deepest joy and lasts the longest is that which we give away.

("Just a Thought," 11/14/03, Bill Bouknight, Christ United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN)