The Joy of Giving

At the end of each year we do our secret Santa thing where we get to buy a gift for a co-worker. This year I decided that I would do a small portrait for the person whose name I drew from the hat.

I think I got as much joy at watching the recipient open his gift as he did receiving it.  He is such a humble man and was very surprised that someone would do something like that for him.

Frans, you are a gem here at the office and worth every brush stroke!

The Madiba Effect

During this busy time of year I am trying to find quiet spaces in my life.  Making time to enjoy the sound of the rain, and there has been a lot of rain of late.  All day long we are bombarded with noise, whether it be the radio in the office, the traffic outside or the TV when we get home.  I need the quiet to allow my mind to think and process the day.

Something that has been occupying my mind a lot is the recent passing of our beloved Nelson Mandela. I recall our rather irrational fear of this man and what would happen to us all (white South Africans) once he was set free.I remember the confusion in my mind once he was released at how he seemed to creep into the hearts of our nation. His genuine love for each and everyone won us over.

Then one day in 1999, after a company lunch in Johannesburg we noticed several uniformed men with rather large firearms and in the midst of them was a smiling Nelson Mandela. We had all moved out the way and expected him to just go by. But he stopped, reached out his hand to shake mine, greeted me and asked how I was and if I had enjoyed my lunch, smiled, wished me well and went on to greet my co-workers who I was with.

I was overcome with all sorts of emotions. I had just held the hand of the great Nelson Mandela and spoken with him. This is hard to describe, but he had a sort of aura or energy field around him, and once it touches your life it leaves some of that energy with you.

His effect was that of a bright candle passing by and lighting your little candle with his flame. It does not take away any of his brightness, instead it leaves behind it a trail of light. Some flames continue burning for years, some go on to light others and some flames will just burn out.

I hope that the unity South Africa is feeling now will continue and that each and every one of us will go on to spread a little light and love as Tata Madiba would’ve wanted us to do.

South Africa is a beautiful country and South Africans are amazing people. When we stand together, anything is possible. So let’s stand together in love and light and live out Madiba's legacy!

R.I.P.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
1918 - 2013