“In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” -Acts 20:35
The month of May is special for many people. During May students all over the country are graduating. They will attend a special ceremony that marks the end of years of hard work. Family and friends will gather to cheer as each student’s name is called. Graduation mars the end of one journey and the beginning of a new and exciting adventure.
The University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth graduates gathered this past weekend for their commencement. It was a rainy day, but that did not deter the graduates and families from gathering to observe this special occasion. Like most graduation ceremonies there were a few speakers, including Robert Hale Jr. Robert Hale Jr. is not a politician or a celebrity. He is a successful businessman who helped to create Granite Telecommunications. This multi-billion-dollar business provides communications and data services to businesses in the United States and Canada. Robert Hale is the founder and CEO. He is also part owner of the Boston Celtics.
During his commencement address, Robert Hale shared a few bits of wisdom with the graduates. He then shocked the crowd by having two large duffel bags delivered to the stage while he was speaking. The two bags were filled with envelopes. Each envelop contained $500.00 in cash. Robert Hale announced that each student would receive two envelopes, totaling $1000.00. There was a catch. Each graduate would get to keep one envelope for themselves, but they would be asked to give away the contents of the other envelope to a person in need, or a charity of their choice.
After revealing the contents of the bags, Robert Hale would go on to tell the audience that “The greatest joys we’ve (He and his wife Karen) have had in our life have been the gift of giving.” His hope that day was to encourage each person to live a life filled with the joy of giving. He would go on to say, “These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring, and giving. Our community needs you and your generosity more than ever.” I can only imagine this was not the commencement speech the audience expected.
We all need to remember the lesson that Robert Hale, Jr. shared that day. God gave us the gift of life, and God intended for us to enjoy this life. The biggest moments of joy seem to come from the time when we bless other’s lives. When we give of our time and gifts to lift our community up, we also find ourselves filled with joy. During graduation ceremonies, we are often reminded of important life lessons, but perhaps the most important is that when we are generous, we bless our world, and we ourselves are blessed.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
