So I’m hanging out at the park last night playing basketball with my four group-home boys. A bit of light rain had scared off all the others for the day, but it takes much more than that to get rid of me and my boys.
After about two hours of basketball and other activities I found myself chasing down the basketball as it rolled off the court and into an adjacent grassy area. As I reached down to scoop up the ball, I noticed in plain sight a folded twenty-dollar-bill.
“Wow! Look what I found!” I said. The boys ran over to me and started screaming in elation as if we had just won the lottery. Immediately they stated, “Let’s go to Wal-Greens and buy some candy and stuff.” I then asked if they had any other suggestions. After a few seconds of silence one of them said, “What do you mean?”
“Well, what do you guys think about blessing someone who could really use a little money for food.” I said. Hmmm… Another few seconds of silence, then, the little one said, “RED!!! LET’S GO GIVE IT TO RED!!!” Red is our homeless friend who lives in a secluded area of the park and he’s always kind to me and my boys.
So, at eight o’clock at night my boys sprinted off into the darkness with me behind them running for the fenced, sump area that leads to Red’s home.
I must admit that the first thought that came to my mind as I witnessed this was, “What better example of a cheerful giver can you have than this?” You see, their true intent was not to give expecting or looking for something in return. They were genuinely looking to give without want. Hmmm… What a lesson from four pre-teens. From the mouths of babes and the innocent hearts of children. I think they “got it.” 🙂
I invite you to be mindful of the spirit in which you decide to give this year and every year after. For a cheerful giver that truly gives without an ulterior motive or intent of want will be blessed with much.
Oh, and Red was extremely happy to be on the receiving end of their kind gesture. Don’t miss your opportunities to make this good life “GREAT!”
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