There’s a statue in Copley Square in Boston dedicated to the great Lebanese poet, Khalil Gibran, author of The Prophet. It reads: It was in my heart to help a little, because I was helped much. I pass that statue often. It captures how I feel—how blessed I feel by all the people who lent me a hand along life’s journey.

From the family in Japan who opened their home to me so that we could learn and share from one another when I was 22—the only thing that they asked of me in return was that I pass it on, to the friends I met while bound for distant places who offered me a place to stay, to the rural Thai family who saved my life while hiking in Thailand, there are so many reasons for me to be thankful and so many reasons to pass it on.

I think of these friends often. I also think of other friends who needed my hand most—a hand which I was not able to give: the Tuareg guide in Mali who had no medicine for his suffering wife, the smiling children— far too many of them—who could only dream of going to school. Many of us are blessed to live in lands of extraordinary abundance and yet, so many lack the spiritual wealth, sense of community, and close family bonds of those with far fewer resources.

To me, the circle will only be fully complete when we all come together. No matter where or how we live, each of us has so much to give and share and even more to gain when we reach out and connect with one another beyond borders.

Next Year, make it your wish too. Pass it On. Pass on the good that you received along your life’s journey!

Have a wonderful holiday season and New Year!

Dave

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Tags: Africa, Boston, Japan, travel, United Planet, volunteer abroad

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