GIVE MONEY TO PAN HANDLERS?
Traditionally I have been against
, street people and pan handlers. Sensing this, my sister has instructed me for the last several years that she doesn't want a christmas gift from me. Instead, she wants me to give my $35 gift to street people, beggars and pan handlers.My sisters instructions are, "If somebody comes up and asks you for money or change, give them what ever is in your pocket, to a total of $35.00." At first I hesitated, but then I said, it's her gift!
I REACH INTO MY POCKET AND GIVE IT AWAY.
For the last few years if somebody comes up to me and asks for money, I am automatically obliged to give them the change in my pocket. I don't think about it, I just give it.Being self employed and a self starter I would previously have always said NO! My logic was that, "I have been working seven days a week building my business, and I make my own breaks." "Why would I give to these people who are asking me for money?! Don't these beggars know that they could start a business like me and earn their own money?"
What I didn't factor into the equation was the Joy of Giving!
After doing this for a while, I realized that people are people and some of them are genuinely down on their luck. They need a hand up. That reminded me that people have given me a hand up in different ways along the years in my business.
One time I had no change and had some $20 bills. A fellow came up and asked me for money. I immediately reached into my wallet and gave the fellow $20. No questions asked. The fellow almost started crying. He couldn't believe his luck for that moment. I was very moved by that moment. My previous belief that beggars were scum was limiting my personal growth.
LESSON TO BE LEARNED. GIVE IT TO BEGGARS
I challenge the readers of this blog to do the same. Giving away $35 per year to beggars is the equivalent of 10? per day. If you give you money away quickly you're good for the rest of the year.
As they say, to give is better than to receive. As I am starting to learn, to give with a generous heart with the intent to help somebody and make their day, is very thrilling and rewarding.
Article Created: 2006-11-23
Article Updated: Not yet updated.
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