A man once visited the home of a poor friend. The old house was drafty, and even the gentle spring breeze made the inside feel cold. In the small refrigerator, there was only a little milk. Wanting to serve his guest, the poor friend warmed the milk and offered it to him.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
“I’m so hungry. Could you spare me something to eat?”
Without even opening the door, the man shouted,
“What could you possibly get from this house? Don’t ever come to my friend’s home again!”
But the host quickly stood up, opened the door, and handed the beggar the very milk he had been about to drink himself. The beggar gratefully drank it and went on his way.
Turning back to his guest, the host said quietly,
“You were trying to take away my happiness. Do you know how joyful it is to be able to give? True wealth is the happiness you feel when you share with others.”