When we speak of a person as being generous we usually think of someone
who gives his money, or whatever belongs to him, freely to others. But
did you ever think that people can be generous with their thoughts, too?
Let me show you what I mean by that. There were once two boys who went
to visit at a farm where they kept Shetland ponies, and of course both
boys wanted to ride them. So one day they persuaded the man in charge of
the ponies to put the saddle on a handsome black one and lead him out
into the yard for them to mount. But when it came to actually getting on
the pony's back, the younger boy was afraid. Although the older boy
urged him, he would not take a ride. Finally the other boy mounted and
rode gaily off, and came back beaming with delight. But instead of being
proud, and thinking the other boy cowardly, he went over to the younger
lad and said: "Now you get on. I know you can ride him." And when at
last the other did ride off, the older boy's eyes danced with delight,
and he clapped his hands to encourage the younger boy. That is one of
the best forms of generosity.
Another illustration of it is when you are on a baseball or football
team, or in a contest of any sort, to be able to say when you are
honestly beaten that you were beaten by a better team. When you can say
that, it takes half the sting out of defeat and makes those who win
admire you more than ever.
Don't be stingy with your thoughts about people. Always think the best
about others, and believe the best, and you will grow to be
open-hearted, friendly, lovable and big.