INSPIRASUNS

I attended a luncheon yesterday. One of our parishioners, a lovely woman spoke about her family business. She and her husband built this with many years of hard work and effort. Actually, she shared their story which was quite inspiring.

You see both she and her husband were raised in MN. They were both very poor growing up and had very little. She shared a picture of their wedding day and explained that she couldn’t afford a wedding dress, so she had to make hers. From the age of 14, they each worked to save money to go to college, knowing their parents would not be able to afford to send them. She became a nurse and her husband a pharmacist.

Over time they followed a few ideas and passions. With much hard work, and commitment to learning new things, they were able to turn those passions into successful businesses, (one just happens to be a winery). Her husband passed away several years ago so she has taken the reigns of their business. She shared with me yesterday, at almost 80 years old she goes into the winery to work every day during the growing season.

What struck me most though is how philanthropic she is. She has a heart for helping children’s organizations, providing scholarships and opportunities for kids to learn and grow and maybe one day have their own business. She partners with other associations to provide healthcare to underserved communities, helps those who have health issues or have been abused, and so much more. This woman and her husband came from nothing. They know what it’s like to have very little, and now they commit to helping others in the same situation.

I got to know her yesterday, not only her story but her heart. She was very humble, but you could see an inner strength. Her heart for giving back, that is what struck me most.

We all have opportunities to help others. Together, we can make a difference in so many lives. I was inspired yesterday by this woman with such a wonderful heart.

Have a wonderful day friends, take a moment today to make a difference 🙂 .

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.