One of the first things I learned from my parents was the importance of giving. As soon as I was given an allowance, it was understood that part of it – a penny, a nickel, whatever – would be given away to help others in need. Things, I learned, including money, were meant to be used.
On the other hand, I was always taught that people were meant to be
loved. All the people in God’s creation, near and far, whether I knew them or not, whether I liked them or not, were meant to be loved.
Things are meant to be used, and people are meant to be loved. So I was taught, and so I’ve tried to live. Sometimes I’ve failed, but I
still believe in that basic reality. In spite of some amazingly attractive alternatives that this world of ours offers, I need to rmember that things are meant to be used,and people are meant to be loved. This I believe.
and o