By Scott Vaughan
When I left home for college in the fall of 1977, I knew I would have to work my way through school. My parents still had three mouths to feed in a harsh economy that included extremely high unemployment coupled with extremely high inflation. I had saved the money I received as high school graduation gifts and put aside my earnings from summer work. Those savings were going to sustain me for the first few
weeks of college until I could find a job.
On the day I arrived at college for the very first time, I got out of my car and stared at the five-story dormitory I would call home for the next four years. As my mom prepared to say goodbye, she gave me two quarters and said: “No matter how hard times get, I want you to be able to buy yourself a Coca-Cola.” That may seem funny today, but at the time, my mom was being very sincere and honest.
I stared at the two quarters, knowing that a Coke from most machines cost only a single quarter, and that is when my mom added: “That second quarter is for you to bless someone who needs a Coca-Cola but does not have a quarter.” That might sound trivial on its own merit, but Mom was passing a lesson on to me.
I recalled the story of how, one summer day, when Mom was in high school, she met a group of girls at a diner in town for lunch. Her dad gave her money for her meal and then emptied his wallet so she would have enough to bless someone who might not have enough.
I extended this generational lesson to my own family. For instance, when my boys were in elementary school, they went on field trips, like all of us have. I would always give them a little money in case there was a stop for a snack, like a soft drink or ice cream. Then, I would give them extra—just in case someone in their class was not prepared and was going to be left out.
One Christmas, one of our neighbors opened their home to a family with a young son. As I recall, the family was from Africa and needed a temporary place to live. My older boys befriended this new neighbor. As Christmas approached, our four sons pooled their money, planned a trip to the Lexington Kmart, and bought Christmas gifts for the little boy next door. They even wrapped those presents themselves and delivered them on Christmas Eve.
Generosity is contagious! It has a way of transmitting from generation to generation to generation to generation. Your children and grandchildren are watching, listening, and learning, so be careful about how you live and the lessons your life teaches.
This Christmas, be an agent of generosity, and let that be your legacy.
Merry Christmas!
