Hope everyone enjoyed Fat Tuesday yesterday. I celebrated by running sprints at the gym. I don’t do anything the normal way, it seems.
Anyway, the end of Fat Tuesday means that today is officially the beginning of Lent. I was raised Catholic, so for me, the idea of giving something up (or doing something to better myself) during this 40 day period is not unusual, but I know a lot of non-religious people who choose to use this time period to also try to do something good. Maybe they give up coffee or try to not spend any money. Maybe they vow to hit the gym three times a week. The hope is that if you can do something for 40 days, you can keep it up after the 40 day period has ended.
I wasn’t going to do anything this year. And then something opened my eyes.
Last night, on my way home, I was stopped by a couple. The man told me his story of looking for money to get a hotel because the shelter was full. He told me that his girlfriend was pregnant and that he had just lost his job. He admitted it was embarassing, but any help I could provide would be great.
Was he telling me the truth? I don’t know. But either way, I gave him all the cash I had on me (a whopping $4).
Typically, I don’t give money to people on the street. But as I was walking home, I started to think about it. Maybe this guy was totally scamming me. But let’s say even 50% of the people panhandling for money are scamming. That means that 50% really do need that money. And I only gave the guy $4. How often do I waste $4 on something ridiculous?
So I’m thinking that for Lent, I’m always going to try to have a few dollars on me and give money to panhandlers as I pass. I don’t care if they need it for food or shelter or if they just want to get a drink. Either way, it brightens someone’s day and it reminds me just how lucky I really am.
I think that this is great that you do this, I do this also. It always helps to remeber too that no matter bad you may have it, there is always someone worse off out there. And, every little bit helps.
I have a friend who keeps a $5 bill in his wallet just in case someone asks. He says that it is not his responsibility to judge whether the person needs it or not. But that he will be held accountable no not sharing with the needy. So he gives of his money and lets the Lord do the judging. I always thought this was a good way to think of it.
Great job! I decided this Lent to give back instead of giving up. I vowed to volunteer 40 hours and donate my extra “snowflake” money to my church’s Lent fundraiser (help people worldwide) instead of giving up something like I usually do. Feels great to help others. And who are we to judge whether a panhandler needs it or not?
I loved this post and totally agree. We NEVER truly know what the $$ is needed for, you never do know, that $4 could have been a big part of a nice warm hotel stay right? 🙂