Dec 16 2008
Give a Little Bit…Even Though Times Are Tough
Right now times are rough on most folks but just imagine how bad it must be for those who were already struggling back when things seemed to be going along so strong. People who were hungry then are hungrier now. Young families struggling then may have lost jobs by now and things look bleak for them. Older folks with limited income may be finding things even worse. If things are worse for me and you then they have to be worse for others. So even though you might be saying now that I just don’t have it to give I think you should take a minute to reflect and see if maybe there is just one thing you could do without this coming week and take that small amount of money you would have spent and give it where it could help.
How hard could it be to give up one take out meal and maybe give $5.00 to meals on wheels. It may feed 2 people a hot lunch one day when they don’t have a way to get that meal on their own. Meals on wheels won’t turn down your $5.00 gift. In fact they would love for you to do that every week if you could. In fact most meal on wheels programs will let you make a gift and have them send a little card to someone who you choose to honor so this christmas when you have to get a gift for that someone who really has everything already, how about sending that $20 you would have spent on another useless gift to Meals on Wheels and let them send that thank you card to your friend or family member instead.
If it won’t break you then try this. Look for a mother in line at the grocery store with a small child or children who seems to be buying the basics (milk, formula, diapers, etc.) as opposed to a sixpack for her husband. Simply get in line behind her and when her bill comes up just butt in and say “I’m going to take care of that for you” and with cash in hand pay the bill. Sure you will get some stares and maybe she will slightly oppose but simply finish with “Happy Holidays” and accept her thanks if she gives it and leave. Don’t worry that now she might take her money and go get that six pack for Bubba. That’s out of your control but for sure you just made sure that those children were taken care of short term. We have to quit trying to always qualify everyone we help. If you can’t tell when someone doesn’t have much by just observing then you are not observing very well.
So give a little bit. Your little bit might be that $5.00 or it could be $20.00 or it might be that $30.00 to help that young mother. Whatever it is you can be assured that you will be helping in a time of need. It is a time of need for millions of Americans and yes I could use an extra buck or two myself now and then but I have noticed many, many more folks who could use that extra $5 I got today that I didn’t expect.
Wishing you “Good” Karma
Mark
