To Become a Better Person

Recently, a young mother took her four-year-old daughter on a shopping trip in downtown. They visited some department stores and walked leisurely through number of shops, before it was time to go home. But, on the way, they passed a group of students who were collecting money to help construct an old folks home.

The mother stopped and opened her purse. Taking out a 100 yen coin, she gave it to her daughter and told her to go over and put it in the box which one of the students was holding.

The little girl was smiling, as she took the coin and walked over to where the students were standing.

When the girl put the money in the box, however, the expression on her face turned to one of disappointment. She was looking around the bottom of the box, expecting chewing gum or candy to come out. But, there was nothing.

The mother took her daughter gently by the hand, and, as they walked down the street, explained to her the purpose of the collection boxes. "Those students, are not in business, like the stores are. They are not selling anything. They are trying to help provide a home, where aged people can spend their time in comfort and happiness. They are asking people who pass by to cooperate by contributing money. "

She continued. "You not only help other people when you make contributions, but you also become a better person.

より良い人になるために

　最近、若い母親が、4歳になる娘を連れてダウンタウンに出かけました。彼女たちはデパートを訪れ、帰る時間が来るまで商店街を歩きました。帰る道すがら、「老人ホーム建設」のための街頭募金をしている学生たちに出会いました。

　母親が立ち止まって、ハンドバッグから百円玉を取り出すと、娘に、この百円を学生さんの持っている箱の中に入れてくるように言いました。女の子は微笑みながら、学生たちのところに行きました。

　彼女は百円玉を募金箱の中に入れた後、がっかりしたような顔になりました。彼女は、チューインガムかキャンディーが出てくることを期待して、募金箱の底の回りを探し始めました。しかし、何も出てきませんでした。

　母親は優しく娘の手を引いて通りを歩きながら、募金の意味や目的についてわかりやすく説明しました。「あの学生さんたちはね。お菓子屋さんのように商売をしていないのよ。彼等は何も 売っていないの。年取った人たちが、穏やかで幸せに過ごせるようなお家を建てるために、行き交う人々に協力を求めているのよ。」と。母親は続けて言いました。

　「あなたは、寄付をして他の人を助けるだけではなく、あなた自身をより良い人にしているのよ。」