A young couple with a five-year old daughter lived next door to an elderly couple. The two families looked out for each other, as good neighbors always do. One day the wife of the old gentleman died. The young neighbors immediately began giving the surviving husband their complete attention, helping him in planning for the funeral, cleaning the house to receive callers who would come by to pay their respects, and preparing food for the husband and out of town family and guests. They gave themselves completely to help the old man prepare for the funeral and the adjustment he would have to make to life without his wife of 56 years.

The day of the funeral the young couple could not find their daughter. They looked everywhere for her, and finally walked to the rear of the old man's house. There on the back porch they saw their daughter sitting in the old man's lap in a rocking chair, hugging his neck tightly and lovingly. Her Mother asked her what she had said to Mr. Andrews. The little girl answered, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."

People give themselves to others in many different ways. The parents gave valuable service to their older neighbor by relieving him of thoughts about planning for the funeral and adjusting to his new life. The little girl gave very simply but so very completely by giving the older man what he needed so dearly - the loving affection of someone who cares.

Similarly, in our business and professional activities we confront person after person who needs the gifts which we alone can give - the gift of understanding, the gift of encouragement, the gift of personal support for their activities. As responsible leaders in our community, we have the opportunity to give to others what no one else can ever give.

Bishop Ernest Fitzgerald, a trustee of Greensboro College and a resident of Winston-Salem, recently summed up the importance of giving. He made three succinct statements:

1. Giving and receiving are inevitably linked together.
2. Giving always precedes receiving.
3. Giving guarantees receiving.

Giving is a cornerstone of character for an individual and a society which would operate in an efficient and effective manner. It is easy to give. One of life's greatest satisfactions comes from giving to others. We give by sharing what we have and seeking ways to be of service to others. We give by responding to the needs of others, without expectation of reward.