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Originally Posted by luvfla  Ashlee you didn't fail, it was just a missed opportunity. You'll get your opportunity to pay it forward.
When I was just out of college I worked in a resturant until I found a job. I had a regualr customer who pointed me to this company and that company..well I finally got a job. When I told him he was delighted for me. That day he left me a $100 as a tip (this was in 1984 when it meant something)...I ran after him & told him that I couldn't let him leave me such a big tip. He said, " You are going to need some new clothes for your job. He also said, one day you can do something good for someoneelse. Over the years I've done things & I don't know if what I did made a difference until last fall. My dear friend Claudia was diagnosed with breast cancer in the spring of last year...chemo, radiation, rest, test...it spread to her liver. So in November more chemo started. She is single so leave with out pay can change your life. I had my gift shop then & in our crummy economy I was considering closing it, which I did this spring. Anyway, I beleive in following your instincts & knew I had to have a fund raiser for Claudia. We raised, I don't remember the exact number, but it was close to $3K for her. If y'all could have seen her that day you would have cried. She's still very ill & if you have a moment say a prayer for her.
We have bums who stand on street corners with signs asking for money. My husband rarely turns one down. I asked him once why & he said that they needed something, he didn't care what it was, & that once he's given them the money they can do whatever they want with it. I thought that was so kind of him....men aren't usually that benovelant.
Giving with expectations is not really giving...right? |
You are right it is not really giving if you expect something. My husband has a hard time giving to others. He works very hard for the money we have and he thinks others should work hard for what they have too. He reminded my yesterday that the money in our bank account didn't just appear there. He worked hard to put it there. He really has a kind heart but in the area we live in there are a lot of people who could help themselves but choose to depend on others instead. I have a family member who is trying to recover from persciption drug addiction and he has a hard time with that. He says he got him self into that mess and he should get himself out. I feel a little like that with him too but can't help but think if we could just help a little maybe he could live a better life. He has a daughter and I feel more that I am helping her. My husband thinks we are feeding the habit by helping though. It is a fine line sometimes. He is willing to help anyone he feels can't do it on there own or really needs it. Its funny, he was raised a lot different then I was. A little harder I think.
Well I missed another chance today. I had to go back to town to make a payment that was due. There was a man holding a cardboard sign standing at the stop light at the store (we don't have many of those in a small town). He was on the oppisite side from me but when I left he was gone. Didn't see his sign but I assume he needed something. I think I like the way luvfla's husband thinks. If they need something and I can help, that is enough.
Maybe 3rd times a charm!