Give what you have, and give what you dont have.

by Melissa
(Canada)

I've been volunteering for a charity for a while now, and I was going to go to a meeting for the specific charity, then run for lunch. I had about $10 in my pocket for my lunch, and I was a little rushed.

I was wearing my volunteer tshirt , looked a mess, and was stressed beyond belief.

I went to the meeting, and they talked about their lack of funding, they were asking for donations, but never asked me due to my financial situation, which was not well. But when they passed around a small basket, I felt generous and thoughtlessly tossed my money into the basket.

Afterwards, I remembered that because of this act, Id have to go without a lunch. I searched my bag, and managed to find enough money to cover a burger, but thats it. So i went, asked for a burger, and the manager was there, she said I looked unhappy.

I said I wasnt. I was just worried about my financial situation. She looked at my charity tshirt and said thank you, my cousin is living in Rwanda working, I understand. Please accept this as a gift. I didnt understand what she meant. But when i went to get my food, there was a burger, pop, fries, and various other sides.

I told her I couldnt pay for this, but she smiled and said it was her gift. I tried to give her the little money I had, but she wouldnt take it. She told me it wasnt much and ushered me out.

I knew that the generous gesture would cost almost an hours work at the fast food restaurant.

I left the restaurant with my food, feeling a sense of not only happiness for the very, very kind gesture, but because i knew that if i helped others with my donation, god would take care of me. Since then, I have donated my money, much more. I have now been promoted, and have always lived by one rule. Give what you have, and give what you dont know you have. Meaning, give your money, if you have it, but most importantly, give your time, faith, and generosity. Go with it with love.