Perhaps you know and have read the O Henry story, “The Gift of the Magi,” a tale with the author’s customary ironic twist. Two young people, married, poor, both sell their most precious possessions to afford a gift for the other.
She cuts her long hair to give him a chain for his pocket watch.
He sells his pocket watch to buy her a set of combs for her hair.
They should both be disappointed that the gifts that cost so dearly are now useless. But they are not. And O Henry concludes:
“The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.”
Their wisdom is in sacrificing something that matters to give to others.
Those of you who work for Germanna Community College give of your time, your caring, and much of your lives to serve our students and communities. You give the precious gift of believing in some who do not believe in themselves, expecting much from those who expect little, giving your time and most of all your keen attention.
Each of you comes with different beliefs and customs. All of you could choose to work at many other places, perhaps for higher wages. But all of you choose to serve at Germanna, and I am deeply grateful for that gift.
Thank you---and may each of you enjoy a holiday with family and friends, and enjoy a peaceful, joyous New Year.
Find the complete story here:
http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/Gift_of_the_Magi.html
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