When I was in college, I ran a computer-building business. I’d like to say it was my way of working my way through college, but the truth is, it was a way to make money to support my habit for toys, dining out and going to movies. I may have spent some of the earnings on books, but mostly, it was probably squandered.
I remember a close friend of mine named, Larry Venable gave me an external CD-ROM drive. I was in need of one to help my business along because I was a poor college student who couldn’t pay for it myself. In those days, external CD drives ran around $350… clearly above my means. It was a necessity for building computers, however since most of my software was on CD and most of the computers I was dealing with were not pre-installed with optical drives yet.
I remember clearly the lump in my throat when he gave it to me. I was floored by his generosity. He said to me, “Paul, this is a significant gift and a sacrifice but you need it. I don’t want you to keep it, however. When you come across someone else who needs it, give it to them. With this comes a lesson of generosity and love.”
I promised to do so.
Today, the drive sits in my basement in a box of used and obsolete items. I’ve had opportunities to give it away, but never did because my pride and greed got in the way.
… but I never forgot Larry’s generosity nor the lesson he tried to teach me.
Larry, recently I gave away my laptop to a friend who needed one to build his business. I’ve honored your request and fulfilled my promise.
I love you and the lessons that Christ taught me through you.
To my friend with a new laptop: this is a significant gift and a sacrifice but you need it. I don’t want you to keep it, however. When you come across someone else who needs it, give it to them. With this comes a lesson of generosity and love.
Pass it on.