Anonymous Gifts

NEVER underestimate the power of giving.  I learned that today in a very big way.  Two weeks ago I was on my last twenty dollars.  During a workout, a man came in to Curves unexpectedly – something you rarely see.  The owner said, “Hi Pops!” and began to talk quietly with him.  I could tell he had little money and could possibly even be homeless.

Later that night, a feeling came over me.  I knew I had to give him my twenty.  It wasn’t much, but I knew it could help.  I put the bill in an envelope, wrote “Pops” on it and quietly handed it to the Curves employee the next day.

I was without a lot at that time, but what I needed could not be covered by twenty dollars.  It felt good to give that money to someone who needed it more.

Now, I’m not telling you this story to give myself a pat on the back.  After all, it isn’t very anonymous when I post it on the internet, correct?  I’m telling you because I want to inspire you.

Again, I was completely out of money. I was hunting for change for the next few days to simply purchase gas and fill my low tire.  But I knew I would be OK.  Somehow I knew I would be taken care of, and that I would receive exactly what I needed.

Since then my washing machine died.  Magically, a friend told me he had a used one that I could have. AND he delivered it.

And even better?  Weeks ago I put $20 in to a Superbowl pool.  They run it every year, and at the time I had the cash.  One of those, “everyone is doing it so I might as well put my name down too” moments.  Yesterday, just before the Superbowl, I ran out of heating oil.  On top of that, I used the last money I have until payday to  buy groceries, only to find that two packages of lunch meat were spoiled.  I didn’t have the receipt and couldn’t run out to buy more.

Today, I found out I won the Superbowl pool.  I can now get oil and much needed new pants and shirts for my children, as well as the two backpacks my boys so desperately need.  These are things I’ve been holding off on, only purchasing items from the thrift store when there was an immediate need.

So let this be proof to you that yes, when you give to others, you will be paid back tenfold.  I didn’t give in order to receive, but yet I received nonetheless.  And you know what?  I already planned on an amount to give back to someone from this pool.  Today, a young college student was telling me about how her car was hit and she needed a particular amount out of pocket to get it fixed.  That was the amount I had planned to give away.  Perfect!