Hidden Gifts: Being Generous in Unlikely Ways

Screenshot of photo provided by Children Believe

It takes so little to mean so much.

Today’s topic is “generosity.” It’s a subject I think about a lot, and it’s been on my mind more than usual recently, for a bunch of reasons that are irrelevant for this story.

I know what it is to struggle and to need a hand, a kind word, a little support in one way or another. I know the desperation of not having enough food for my children, of feeling trapped in a frightening situation, or of wanting to end my life.

And I know what it is to be given a generous gift of food, a safe home, or a reason to keep living.

That generosity of spirit in others has meant the world in those darkest of times. I can’t help but think about it every time I’m across the street at the supermarket. They have pre-packed bags of non-perishable foods to be purchased for $10 and put in the donation bin by the exit. Box of spaghetti, a large tin of sauce, and some other odds and ends to make up two or three plain meals.

They make it so easy to buy a bag or two or three at the same time as I’m getting my own food, especially when I look in my trolley and I see a variety of fresh fruits and delicious vegetables that can’t be put in those donation bins. It’s all tinned fruit and veg at best.

And I see the little $7 container of Haagen-Dazs ice cream in my trolley. A splurge for me, nearly the cost of that bag with a couple of meals for someone who might be having trouble feeding her children.

I figure if I can afford that, surely I can throw some donation bags in the big bin by the exit (so I do). I just wish I could also give them some fresh produce, a home-cooked stew or roast dinner, and some treats, too.

There are many ways we can be generous with others. There are certainly the obvious ones, like giving a few dollars a month to a favourite charity. Or sponsoring a child, because in doing so, you also help the entire community in which that child lives.

Speaking of that, I’ve been sponsoring the little girl in the above photo for 8 years. She wants to be a doctor and in every photo of her year after year, she’s wearing that big, beautiful smile. It’s been fun to watch her grow up.

Maybe leave a gigantic tip for that barista — like, double the price of that muy grande cuppa somethin’ you just bought. Wouldn’t it be fun to see the look on the barista’s face?

When it’s raining, how about an extra fat tip for the freezing, wet delivery person who brings you that take-away or those groceries so you can stay warm and dry?

And what about less obvious “generosity”?

Perhaps you can help that elderly man who is struggling to put his heavy groceries in his car. Or say hello to that person whose head is hanging and whose shoulders are drooping, and offer a smile. Perhaps even ask, “Are you okay?”

You can be generous with your words, and offer a compliment to the woman with the beautiful smile. Or pass someone on the street whose outfit you like or who looks great in that colour.

Are there people you think are splendiferously wonderful humans? Do you make sure they know it?

Be generous with your time, sharing it with someone who will appreciate that gift. As it is an unrenewable resource, I would suggest not wasting it on those who do not honour it.

And what about being generous in your attitude? I mean, for example, finding yourself feeling angry and judgemental toward someone, how about being generous with grace and kindness, remembering we’re all flawed?

Be generous with forgiveness. Not just with others but with yourself, too. Many balk at the notion of forgiveness; some flat out refuse to give it. Instead, they choose to cling to their hurt and anger at someone who wronged them. “I will never, ever forgive him/her! Never, as long as I live!” They might as well pick up a baseball bat and slam themselves in the head with it every time they think of the offending incident.

You don’t forgive for the other person. You do it for yourself. It doesn’t mean what they did was okay; it means you don’t want to carry that pain anymore. Those people aren’t likely even thinking about you or how much you hurt. Perhaps they never even noticed. Or gave a rat’s @$$.

Hurt and anger will gnaw on your soul and your happiness. Let them go and as for all that space they used to take up, generously fill it with forgiveness and peace.

Be generous with self-love and self-care. Honour yourself. Give your body what it needs to feel well and be at its best for you. Honour your spirit. Give it lots of freedom to express itself.

Be generous with words of love and appreciation. They are priceless, among the best gifts you can ever give to anyone.