Years ago, Michael and I and some NYC teachers were traveling in the country of Turkey. We had a wonderful time and saw a lot of the country that tourists rarely get to see. The kindness and pride of the people, and a beautiful country filled with unique landscapes and ancient buildings. We also had the opportunity to dine at many fine restaurants off the beaten track, and spend time with Turkish citizens.
One time in particular we visited the home of a very wealthy businessman. However, before we entered his apartment, Our host looked at Michael who was wearing a utility belt that contained a multi-tool and said, “Why do bring a weapon into my home? This is a home of peace.”
Michael laughed and took out the multi-tool and explained “This is something that can help solve problems not make them.”
Our host examined the instrument, nodded, and then agreed immediately, and said softly, “If only the problems of our country could be solved so simply.”
He and his family them very generously served us a huge traditional meal and we all discussed America’s perceptions of Turkey, and he in turn informed us about some of his countrymen’s viewpoints as well.
After the meal, we gave out gifts. We had gone to Brooklyn and picked up several souvenir hats with New York logos on them, and proceeded to give them to our host’s family. Michael Jackson shirts also. They were well received. However, when we were done, I was asked if we had any other gifts.
I looked into my bag, but I all I found was some packs of gum. I took it out of the bag and placed it on top of the pile of gifts. Our host looked said a few words to his family in Turkish, and then said a brief “thanks.”
Unbeknownst to me, our host was the owner of a huge multi-national corporation, and while american pop apparel was unique, the gum was something he probably had a lot of. When we left, we vociferously thanked him, and he in turn gave us gifts of towels of lush “pamook” cotton.
As we drove away on the bus everyone held up their towel gifts. Michael and Kristin had huge downy towels, but when I held my towel up I realized that all I had was 2 small dish towels.
“What the?” I said, “Why didn’t I get a good towel like you guys did?”
“That one was probably on the floor in the bathroom. Michael continued and said, in our host’s voice “Michael and Kristin, thank you so much for your generous gifts. I give you our country’s finest cotton. And Eric thanks for the gum here are some used dish towels…”
Life Lesson 65: It’s been said that what goes around comes around, and what you give out in life you get back times three. Or in my case sometimes you barely get even two. So be generous, its the right way to be.
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