Who gets the gift?

A few days ago, I’m pulling into the parking lot. My appointed destination…. Einstein’s Bagels. I am there to meet a friend for coffee. It was a business appointment of sorts. As I was pulling in, I noticed a woman approaching a man. I could see from a distance him handing her something. I had concluded that she was asking for money or some other sort of assistance.

As I parked my car, I was noticing how I was feeling uncomfortable about the possibility that this woman would approach me. However, in this instance … the discomfort was more about the fact that I did not want to be approached. This is different for me … completely different from how I usually react or feel about someone asking me for money or help.
So there I was, sitting in my car….. And attempting to understand why I didn’t want to be approached today. It’s almost Christmas…. And I wasn’t in a real giving mood at the moment. That’s not a good thing for me. So the discomfort continued for those reasons.

I stepped out of the car, and before I could appear from between the cars. There she was. I listened as she explained to me that she needed some money to take her sick son to the doctor, and she needed enough for two bus passes. I pulled my wallet out and handed her the amount that she said she needed. I noticed again, that I was handing her the money reluctantly. Again…. What’s up with that?
I went inside and waited for my appointment. A few minutes had passed. I looked out the window and noticed that the woman was still approaching other people in the parking lot. I was annoyed again. I was feeling like I was lied to, and taken advantage of. So, as I am waiting for my appointment …. I am vacillating back and forth. Being upset, not being upset.
But then I remembered something that is usually always in my mind when I am approached by those that would ask for money from me. It was explained to me this way from a friend.
When someone comes to you to ask for money or help it is a gift from God. Unconditional giving is meant to give without condition….. ANY condition. The fact that they may has not been truthful with you, or may go off and buy drugs or alcohol…… that is between them and God. I had to embrace that at that moment as a reminder to give unconditionally or don’t give at all.
It’s Christmas….. Give unconditionally… chances are it’s you that receives the gift!

Merry Christmas!
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