A City View - Charitable People

A City View - Charitable People

IF YOU’VE WATCHED Law and Order anytime over the past eighteen years, you’ve seen at least one episode in which homeless people take things from one another; they steal. I’m sure this scene is rooted in reality. There are always those among any social group (yours and mine included) who take advantage of and outright steal from their neighbors, coworkers, or shareholders.

I know people who steal directly, and I know people who steal indirectly by withholding from others. People who, regardless of their income or net worth, do not share. They hoard their money and protect their own interests, leaving those less fortunate to fend for themselves. This type of stealing is not usually depicted on any nighttime TV show, nor is the deep well of generosity that dwells in the hearts of many homeless folks. It just doesn’t make for sensational TV viewing.

I have watched in awe as those with not a penny to their name share their food and hope with one another. I have watched as they have given 50 percent of their entire net worth (which is represented by the food on the tray in front of them) to their neighbor. Our son, Scott, who was once homeless, has this same charitable attribute. He eagerly and lavishly gives to those in need. Could you give 50 percent of all you own? I couldn’t. Compared to these people, I am a stingy person.

The square footage of our apartment is about 70 percent smaller than that of our previous home. Some of our belongings are in storage, including my baby grand. Some of our treasures are crammed in closets (I refused to store my shoes though). But others are boxed, stacked floor to ceiling in the second bedroom of our apartment, which we call “the garage.” In these boxes are knickknacks, books, linens, dishes, cookware, vases, photos, and art pieces. All out of sight. All out of mind. All excess to living a life of uncommon joy.

Every morning as I look at my city view, with the sun rising in the east, I am reminded how blessed I am and how much I have to offer. And that makes me happy. But I’m also sad. Not just because our city’s population of homeless is rising but because as members of the human race we don’t do anything about it. I know in my heart that I’m a part of the “we.”

Charitable people give time. Charitable people give food. Charitable people give money. Charitable people give hope. Let us follow the model of selfless giving that our homeless brothers and sisters have so beautifully portrayed before us.

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Let’s put our money toward something that won’t be stored in a box.