Sharing that Comes Naturally

It’s been over a week since the Summit in Douala, but the good that took place on those two days has really stuck with me.  It was a real gift to spend time with those who’ve loved Christian Science for a long time and have dedicated their lives to sharing it with others.  It was inspiring and encouraging to talk with the many Sunday School students who already treasure what God does for them every day.  But most of all I loved hearing from a group of women who’d just learned about Christian Science and had traveled a long distance to come to this Summit to learn more.

They are each members of different religious faiths, but they naturally embraced Christian Science and said it’s something everyone should know about.  They were already on fire to share it with their communities and they asked a lot of questions about how they could do this, while tossing out lots of their own ideas, too.  I keep thinking about what the world would look like if every Christian Scientist had that same fire and desire to share.

Sharing good is natural; it makes you feel great.

Before leaving the U.S., I bought a large suitcase to take on my trip in anticipation of souvenir shopping.  When I packed everything I wanted to bring, it was only ½ full.  At the last minute, I grabbed some stuffed animals and dolls that were in a give away bag that my daughter had pulled together earlier this summer.  I thought it would be nice to have something to give to some of the kids I’d meet.

During one of the breakout workshop sessions, I noticed a young boy sitting quietly a group of English speaking participants.  I knew he didn’t understand what they were talking about and he would probably welcome a diversion.  I grabbed some of the stuffed animals and one small doll to offer up to him and some of the kids who were playing together in the courtyard.  This boy was the first to choose and he chose the doll.  That surprised me, I guess because it’s not the typical choice of an American boy.  He gave me such a big grin that it completely warmed my heart.  Later an even younger boy said, “That’s for girls,” but even so, he held onto that doll.

An hour or so later, he came to find me.  He started to hand me the doll when I told him, “Mais elle est pour toi” (it’s for you).  Now I got an even bigger smile and off he ran.  I loved that he was willing to hand over something he obviously enjoyed so much.  That’s not always the case with small children—or anyone.

Later in the day, a sweet girl came up to show me that she now had the doll.  I said, “But what about the boy?”  I was worried he hadn’t given it up willingly.  But she said, “He gave it to me” and I believed her.  I don’t know the specifics, but I looked over at the little guy and he looked incredibly happy.  Maybe he’d gotten so excited about finding out that the doll was his because that meant he could give it to someone he cared about.

It was a huge gift to witness this one small example of unselfish giving.  It makes me want to give more often, and to share something that’s a lot more precious than a small doll.