Two weeks ago I learned a valuable lesson about generosity. I had volunteered to stop by the  headquarters of Ten Thousand Villages and meet with some of the the employees who had read my book. It was no trouble since I  was traveling to the area anyway to do a seminar. I envisioned a cozy gathering of a half-dozen people during which we shared our favorite Aha! from the book, swapped stories of SODA Moments and if there was time, do a little Unplugging.

But instead I found myself delivering a presentation to all 80 employees. Every one from the CEO to the people who worked in the warehouse were there. The audience appeared to enjoy my presentation and may have benefited from my inspirational message. But I believe the experience inspired me more than all 80 people combined.

The people who work at Ten Thousand Villages are on a mission to eradicate poverty in Third World countries. It all started in 1946 when Edna Ruth Byler, the wife of a Mennonite missionary, traveled to very poor countries and observed the incredible poverty first hand. She concluded that one way to eradicate poverty in these developing countries was to create a market for the beautiful handiwork made by the artisans who lived in the small towns and villages. She started out selling the products out of the trunk of her car and eventually created a social movement that provides economic opportunities for artisans around the world.

Sixty-three years later, Ten Thousand Villages is a successful non-profit that sells an amazing array of handcrafted products via a network of 81 retail stores in the US and Canada, an e-commerce business and by sponsoring one or two-day festivals in various communities every year.

At the end of the presentation the people applauded and thanked me for coming. As they were doing their thanking I remember thinking that it is I who should be thanking them.  I drove away I feeling incredibly grateful for having met these dedicated people. I felt even more optimistic knowing that it only takes one person with a good idea and a vision to make the World a better place.

If you are looking for a way to make a difference, consider going on line and buying an item or two from Ten Thousand Villages. It will do you good.