I realized something the other day. Something I needed. You see, we've become somewhat of a cashless society lately, what with the COVID virus. Everyone wants to deal with touchless credit or debit card transactions. And, I don't blame them. Less spread. Safer. I get it. However, something caught my attention and now I realize, I'm going to need some cash. Real money, real dollars.
We were just leaving the parking lot of a big box store when on the corner stood a man with a sign that read--lost my job, need cash. Or something to that effect. His wife and 2 small children were sitting underneath a tree in the shade. It was a warm almost hot day. I felt sorry for them, so I rolled down my window and gave him all the money I had. Which is to say--not much. Maybe $5. I told him how sorry I was that I didn't have more cash on me and he assured me that he was grateful for anything. Then he said--God bless you. I left with tears in my eyes. I wish I could have handed him more money.
And then it hit me, I didn't have more cash in my wallet because I've been using my credit card everywhere. I immediately wanted to remedy that situation. I needed more cash.
I know a lot of people think that I have a bleeding heart, that I should tell them to "get a job" or that I am enabling them. Teach a man to fish and all that, and maybe all are true. Maybe. However, that isn't being the real me. If I were to go that route, I would be going against everything that God has ever taught me. I would be throwing away all the many life lessons that He took me through as a child and young adult. if you've read much of my story, you'd know that my life was a roller-coaster of poor girl/rich girl and that via those life lessons, I became a giver. I don't need anyone to tell me their stories before I give them a handout or a hand up. That's between them and God. And, if I am ever taken advantage of, well, so be it. That again is between them and God.
I raised my children to be this way. Whether they realize it or not, their father and I were their role models for giving and giving and giving and then giving some more. I taught them that God supplies our needs, not jobs or savings accounts. I taught them that if God blesses you, it is so that you may bless others. I taught them that no matter how hard you try, you can't outgive God. He will always supply your needs. Now, as I watch my children and grandchildren interact with those less fortunate, I see that my teachings have paid off. I watch them give. They now inspire me.
A few weeks ago, while visiting my daughter and her family, I had the opportunity to watch both of my teenage grandchildren, during separate instances give to the poor. Roll your window down grandma, can you hand them this? And they put money, their own money, into my hand to hand off to someone in need. I sat next to them in the car, barely able to contain my tears. I kept thinking how proud I was of them. They had giving hearts. They weren't selfish. They never said I worked hard for my money, why don't they? They never even flinched. they just gave. Out of the abundance of what their God gave to them--they gave. I was so proud of them.
So, I have concluded that yes, I need a little more cash. Not for the stores and shops. But, for those that God puts in my path. And then, after giving what I have, I will pray. I will pray for the family in need until the next person or family comes along. Bleeding heart? Enabler? Oh yes. please God, always keep my heart open, willing, and giving. And I promise I'll always have a little more cash.
