Monday, April 11, 2011

Give A Little Bit....

Give a little bit, Give a little bit of your love to me
Give a little bit, I'll give a little bit of my love to you
There's so much that we need to share, Send a smile and show you care
~Supertramp

I drive a lot, usually with the radio cranked up and  coffee close by.  Commuting long distances to work is what you make it.  My son also has doctors in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City area.  While listening to the radio one day, I heard a spot from a local church.  The pastor calls it "Perceptions" and it is usually a short scripture reference or such, but this one was different.  He told a story about some famous golfer--I forget the name-- who gave a woman a rather large sum of money to help with medical expenses for her terminally ill toddler.  When he was told later that it was all a scam, the golfer exclaimed "You mean there is no dying baby?  That's the best news I've heard all week!"  Wow.  What a life of grace to be able to focus on the positive.

I told you that story to tell you this one.  And I tell you this one not to pat myself on the back or to get any accolades.  I just want you to think, ok?

I drove my Mom halfway to Oklahoma City last week to meet Dad.  My youngest girl was with me, and being a 5 year old, needed to go inside to the restroom at the truck stop where we met.  As we walked in, I noticed a young girl, not much older than 22, sitting outside the store, not facing traffic or making eye contact with anyone.  She had a small hand lettered sign that read "Traveling and broke down, anything helps, God bless".  It bothered me.  I have one teenager driving already and another getting ready too.  Vehicles are trouble, just ask my Dad.  He told my sisters and me that from day one.  "This girl is somebody's daughter" was the thought that crossed my mind.  When we came out of the store, she was gone and I glanced over to the back of the parking lot.  She was standing there by an older Honda Civic with two other people, the car jacked up on the passenger side, the tire off.  When my parents left, I went to the back.  Her husband was with her and a beautiful blonde haired, blue-eyed toddler was bouncing in the front seat of the car.  A young local guy with grease all over his hands and clothes was talking to them.  On their way to Oregon and the CV joint had gone out in their car, he could fix it, but they needed money for the part.  Ever bought a CV joint? I have.  Parts stores don't give them away. So....I helped with what I could.  Not that 20 bucks and a 50 dollar Wal-Mart gift card were gonna go far.  Because she was somebody's daughter, traveling with hers.

I'll give a little bit, I'll give a little bit of my love to you
So give a little bit, Give a little bit of your time to me
See the man with the lonely eyes, Take his hand, you'll be surprised

Did I get scammed?  I don't think so.  Even if I did, she was somebody's daughter.  He was somebody's son.  And that beautiful child bouncing up and down in the front seat smiled at me, happy no matter what, clean and well cared for.  In the end, I think we all should treat people not like we want to be treated, but like they are someone's child.  And have the grace to find the positive in anything that might go wrong.

Now's the time that we need to share
So find yourself, we're on our way back home

4 comments:

  1. Hi! I hope you don't mind me commenting - I don't think I know you, but I came here via Bubbles' blog, and I loved this post so much. :) Living in London (or just outside) I get a lot of people asking for money - begging, or soliciting for charity, or spreading the word of any given religion and asking for donations in exchange for a book. I usually give them money, even though I don't have much, because it just feels good. It gives me joy. Does it matter if they really need it? Not particularly. Obviously it's nice to think you helped someone who needed it, but even if you didn't, there can be a great pleasure in giving something up to others.

    Yowch, I don't mean to sound preachy - I really just wanted to say how much this resonated with me. Thank you! x

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  2. Sati--You are more than welcome to comment here anytime you wish....any friend of Bubbles is a friend of mine, ya know? I used to blog at the "other place" too, but it just got to me over there. I like this a lot better.

    And, no, you aren't being "preachy". I try to live by remembering that to whom much is given, much is required. You and I may not be able to change the world, but we can make our corner of it a little bit better by helping when we can.

    Again, welcome anytime....let me pour you some Crown Royal while you tell me your stories....

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  3. First, I love that song - always have.

    You know, sometimes I think that even if we 'get scammed' (and I don't think you were), if we're doing the right thing 'simply because', then we win in the big picture.

    Living in NY has taught me a lot and everyone has a story. Sometimes, I wish I could do more and then there are times hen I wish I wasn't asked.

    Maybe one day I will find a good balance!

    And Hi Sati, nice to see you here! :)

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  4. Kristi... your heart and soul shine through like a beacon for everyone to see. I know, I've felt that wonderful feeling from you in person, and I know how kind and generous you can be...

    Done with the right intention, with love and compassion... how can you possibly go wrong!?

    Beautiful, beautiful post... thanks for sharing!

    Pete

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