EACH GIVES WHAT HE HAS
The Berlin Wall, separating East and West Germany, was built on 13 August, 1961. It was historically dismantled on November 9, 1989.
Back in the days when Germany was divided, this huge wall separated East and West Berlin. People on both sides faced not only physical barriers, but also hatred and revenge. One day, in a provocative act, some East Berliners took a truck load of garbage, and dumped it on the West Berlin side of the wall.
Yet, rather than retaliating in a similar way, the West Berliners responded with an astounding display of humanitarian consideration. They took truckloads of canned food, bread, milk, and other provisions, and neatly stacked these on the East Berlin side. Atop the stacks, a simple but deep-impacting message was written: “Each gives what he has”.
The above story reminds us that hate and revenge have never been able to solve anything. Instead, they spiral down into an everlasting abyss of despair and anger. It is said that we can only give what we have. Just as an apple tree gives apples, and a berry tree yields berries, our actions and reactions stem from our essence. The apples and berries come from the essence of their trees. And the essence of each tree is different.
Life is full of good and bad things. In times of crisis, put in your best efforts, and react with intelligence, prudence, and composure. Furthermore, amidst the trials in life, always try to amplify the goodness within you.
