“He who does good to another also does good to himself." — Seneca
Reflection:
I’m ashamed to confess that, having lived in third world countries for years, being faced daily with beggars, and the overwhelming feeling that no matter how much I give, it’s never enough, I allowed my heart to harden a bit, being in a financial slump myself at the time.
Thankfully the spirit of giving was able to get through to me, and the next time I saw a beggar sitting on the ground I knelt beside him and apologized that I didn’t have much money to give him, but I said what I had I would give. I wish you could have seen the smile that suddenly lit up his face. He gave me such a warm look of gratitude, it definitely made my day. Each time I take the time to stop for a beggar, to listen to their story of misfortune—seeing their response, so warm and grateful, softens my heart. Clearly, I receive more than I give.
Whenever I start to feel a bit hardened to giving, I think back on this initial lesson learned and I'm moved to keep loving and to have a merciful outlook for those who, for one reason or another, have resorted to begging, knowing that in doing good to another I am also doing good to myself.