If you had little and were given the hard choice of getting something you want or making someone you care about happy, what would you do?
A few dozen low-income children in Atlanta two years ago were asked to make a difficult choice: They could have the Christmas present of their dreams. Or they could give a gift of their choosing to a parent.
These children, who ranged from 6 to 11 years old, belonged to the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, where 83 percent are from poor families. Some couldn’t afford to put up a Christmas tree at home.
Their wishes for themselves ranged from a computer to an Xbox 360 to a Barbie house. When asked what they thought their parents would want, one little boy guessed a ring because “she’s never really had a ring.” Another said a television. The next said a watch.
Then the kids were given their dream gift. And the gift for their parents. With both gifts sitting in front of them, they were told they could only pick one.
In the end, they all chose to sacrifice what they wanted to make their parent happy.
It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving “• Mother Teresa.
Those kids know the secret of true happiness “• Give to get. It is all about the lives you touch and love you spread.
