There once was a boy who loved to walk the banks of the river where he lived.
One dreary winter day the boy set out and walked the shoreline until he saw a man standing by a blazing fire.
With curiosity the boy walked closer.
The man's eyes glowed like the fire and the boy paused watching from a distance as the man rubbed his hands near the fire.
The man's eyes met the boy's and the man motioned the boy over.
The boy walked closer until he saw a large cardboard box.
This must be his shelter,
Thought the boy.
I will not harm you,
Said the man and his eyes were filled with love.
And so the boy relaxed and softened and walked closer.
Look in the box,
Said the man.
Come closer.
The boy listened and cautiously opened the box and looked in.
In the box he saw embers dancing.
What strange magic trick is this,
Thought the boy.
What is this,
He asked.
Within this box you see these embers.
These are gifts.
Gifts for humanity,
Said the man.
These embers burning are the embers for hope,
Love,
Peace,
Tolerance,
Generosity,
Forgiveness,
Trust,
And compassion.
You can have these gifts,
Said the man.
But how,
Asked the boy.
Take a step forward,
Said the man,
And take a breath.
Breathe in and fill your lungs with air.
So the boy did.
And the light from the box flowed from the box into the mouth of the boy and into his lungs.
Let these gifts fill your heart,
Said the man.
The boy smiled,
For his heart was already brimming.
Now go.
Go share your gifts with the world,
Said the man.
For you.
You are now hope,
Love,
Peace,
Tolerance,
Generosity,
Forgiveness,
Trust,
And compassion.
You are the gifts for the world.
And the boy smiled,
For he believed.
