He said, “You spoke about mercy in life if those who gave and how the feelings of happiness increase in the heart of man who gives to people around him, not for those whom wealth gets doubled, as giving is the true motive of his feelings. I said, “Yes” and I stopped at the story that Robbins lived its incidents and it was a milestone in his life and realization of one of the most important meanings of life; giving.
Robbins started off his words with a description of his conditions at that time, after his father had expelled him from the house whole he did not exceed the age of seventeen, he began his career by doing some work that brought a little money daily and he went mainly to shops that allowed a person to eat unlimited quantities and types of foods for a few dollars, he says: “I ate as much as I can so that I would remain saturated for one or two days!!”
Years passed, and one day, while living in a small apartment in Venice, Los Angeles, and his money was about to run out as everything he owned was $ 23 or $ 24 and a few cents, he was outraged by the world for the hardships he faced and more frustrated about another friend he lent him some money and did not refund the money or just answer his phone calls, Then he was confused by questions that could not be answered: “How will I eat? How will I live? How will I pay the rent of my apartment that I was supposed to pay one month ago?” On this day, Robbins decided to walk about four miles to a small Mexican restaurant to eat as much as he could – for $ 5.95 – so that he can recover and be able to sleep.
Indeed, Robbins ate quantities of food as far as he can bear, while he was going to pay the check, a little boy at the age of 7 or 8 stood before him, wearing a jacket and looking decent. He opened the door for his mom and pulled out a chair for her to set. Robbins described his feelings about this scene, saying, “I don’t know; something about this boy evoked my feelings that even though he was a little boy, he seemed to have a big and tender heart.” Robbins paid his check and went to the boy introducing himself to him…He proceeded with his story saying: “Then I was like nothing! Who is this “Tony Robbins”?!
I said to the boy: I want to tell you that at the last few minutes, I saw you open the door to the lady who accompanied you, and you pulled out a chair for her, and I saw the way you look at her attentively and with great appreciation. You are a wonderful person and it is great that you take her out for food”. The boy answered him that this woman was his mother, but he did not treat her for food because he was not employed yet. Immediately and without a second thought, Robbins found himself offering all the money he had to the boy and leaving on the spot… to be continued….
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
