Generosity
Yesterday, in the rush-hour, holiday, crush of manic grocery-buying, I saw a man with one item join the long line behind me and my laden cart. I told him he could go before me. The woman in front of me offered the same, so he got right to the front of the line. He bought his item and left. The woman in front of me unloaded her cart and as she prepared to pay, the cashier said, “That man left 50.00 towards your groceries.” She was warmed and surprised. She asked if the store had a way to donate the money and then offered the 50.00 to their Food Bank drive. As you have probably guessed, when it came time for me to pay, the cashier smiled and said, “He left another 50 for you.” Ours went to the Food Bank, too.
My daughter and I left with so many emotions and thoughts. Mostly a wave joy and gratitude. And the spark of play.
“I wish I could have run outside and thanked him! I can’t believe this! He was so wildly and easily generous! Why give money to two White women at Whole Foods? Just for the random joy of giving? What unexpected kindness!” His wave of generosity caused a wave in me. To give. To be unexpected. To do it any time for no reason. With no expectation.
It also reminds me of the myriad ways in which generosity shows up and re-connects us again and again.
This week, let’s count the different ways we can give.
Here’s the beginning of my list:
Money to strangers and those in need.
Smiles, hugs.
Heart-felt compliments.
Benefit of the doubt.
Things I know are important to others even if they are not important to me—things like scrap books, memorabilia, gadgets.
Patience.
Find things to be fascinated by in others, to love in others, even strangers or people we don’t particularly like or agree with.
See the best in others. Endeavor to really get them, like the Magical Ms. Busching.
Get curious.
Hold the space for others’ grief, loss, loneliness, despair.
Be gracious in receiving gifts and compliments.
Cook a meal. Give a fried egg.
Wishing you all the gift of giving.