Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Being a Giver II

On my evening walk the other day I happened to look down and there was an old worn out dirty folded $10 dollar bill. I picked it up, looking around to see if I could find one who could have possibly dropped it. There was no one around.

As I continued walking, looking at the crumbled $10 dollar bill in my hand, I felt somehow really bad. In such a time, I wondered who had lost this $10 dollar bill? Perhaps someone who really needed it had dropped it and at some point would realize that they had less money for food. I didn't feel terribly good about the find.

Walking a few miles further I popped into a little market to buy some water. As I looked around I wondered if there was someone in the market to whom I could give this money. There was no one around. I am accustomed to occasionally paying for the groceries of those who strike me as needing some assistance. I shop in certain markets expressly for this reason. But this day on my walk in my neighborhood, there was no one in the market at all. I bought water and continued my five mile walk.

The next day I awoke wondering how I might be a blessing to someone, as it appeared that this find of $10 dollars was a blessing to me. I determined in my heart to give $1,000 dollar to charity for the $10 dollars that I had found. I was blessed and was determined to be a blessing. It's not that I have money galore, but I have always practiced giving, especially when times are rough. I continue this practice today.

Have you blessed anyone lately? "It is more blessed to give than receive." (Acts 20:35)

6 comments:

JOHN O'LEARY said...

Nice practice, Judith. When I'm temporarily in an impecunious state - as sometimes happens to those of us who work for ourselves! - I often make small donations to causes - even on the order of $10 - just to open up the prosperity spigot. It usually works. Maybe it's a "pattern interrupt" that shifts the energy field.

Judith Ellis said...

Most certainly, John. There is a definite correlation in my experience to giving that causes others to give. There is another scripture which reads "give and it shall be given to you pressed down, shaken together, running over shall men give unto you." It is not so much the return that causes me to give, but the joy of giving itself. By the way, I too understand the "temporary impecunious state" to which you refer. I love it when you comment, John. Besides the knowledge given, I often find myself in a dictionary. Thanks!

JOHN O'LEARY said...

Thanks, Judith. Reminds me I could do a post on "pattern interrupt" which is a good consulting technique.

Judith Ellis said...

Pattern Interrupt? Hmm?

Anonymous said...

Judith...just another example of your terrificocity! There are none I admire more than those who have the integrity, discipline, and courage to live by their convictions. Your penchant for giving and service to others is inspiring and one I am trying to emulate.

Judith Ellis said...

Dave - Thank you for your encouraging words. They are appreciated. It is so wonderful to be able to give and, of course, one can give in so many ways.