The lesson of learning to share is a difficult one.  But it is infinitely easier for children, especially when they are young and haven’t been exposed to selfishness.  If a parent can model generous behavior and encourage their children to see things from another person’s point of view, children grow up thinking this way.

“Spoiling” children is just exactly what happens when a child is not raised to think this way.  It is so unfortunate and harmful to our children if we do not teach them empathy.  Sharing carries the feeling of having more than enough even if it is not a lot.  It doesn’t need to be material either.  Generosity of our spiritual self enables us to be compassionate.  Being there with someone who is sad, or hurt is a profound gift to share with another person.

Unfortunately, sharing is most often thought to be a material gift.  But material things, even when given with sincere affection, are fleeting.  When a material gift is given, it may be something that can be broken or become worn out.  But if that gift is given with love and that love is received and accepted with gratitude, that sharing is what matters most of all.  Things can get broken or wear out, but good feelings live on in our minds and hearts.

I believe that feelings are the things that can stay with us for the rest of our lives.  Sharing our loving feelings with others in friendship is a gift that never fades away.  Bad feelings also stay with us and can be destructive in many ways.

Leo Buscaglia, in his book, The Way of the Bull, experienced the generosity of impoverished people, who were willing to share everything they had with him.  And they were so happy to do this.  It was a profound example of how what we feel and what we think determines our attitude and behavior.  When put this way, the value of generosity is by far the better way to live, as its rewards are a happy life.  What more could anyone want?