The Kindness of Spontaneous Generosity

"Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity."
~ José Martí

I have a childhood friend who is one of the most generous people I know.  She comes by it honestly as her father was like that, too.  When we were growing up, her father was the one who took all of us to the circus every year.  He also took us to fancy restaurants and ordered dishes for us that we had never tried before.  A selfless man, everything he did was for his daughter and he loved hosting her friends.

 

My friend was in town recently and we met up for coffee.  I complimented her on the perfume that she was wearing.  Next thing I knew, she took the bottle out from her purse and said, "Take it -- it's yours."  When I told her that I could not accept it, she said that if I didn't take it, she would get mad at me.  So I thanked her and took the bottle -- thrilled to have it, but more touched by her generosity.