Giving Gets You Ten-Fold, A Hundred Fold, A Thousand Fold…Seriously!

One day, I was taking a walk along the Embarcadero in San Diego, and I was thirsty.  So, I headed over to Starbucks to get an iced tea.  As I was approaching the store on Broadway, I noticed a young man…maybe 19 or 20 years old…sitting on the side walk, leaning up against a light post.  He was homeless and alone.  His hair was long and dirty, his head hung down low, and all he had with him was a worn back pack, which I’m sure carried all of his earthly belongings.

He didn’t see me as I walked passed him, but I definitely noticed him.  When I got in line, I grabbed a boxed lunch and a bottled water for him.  As I walked outside with my tea in one hand and the bag in the other, he looked up and saw me for the first time.  As I approached him, he began to ask me if I had any loose change to spare.  Before he could get all of the words out, and reached down and offered him the bagged lunch.  He looked so surprised for a moment, but then his eyes grew a little wider and he gave me a half smile as he said “God Bless You” to me.  I said, “God Bless You, too” as I smiled at him long enough to let him know, without question, “I see you, and you matter.” 

That moment was gift enough.  However, the universe had something else in mind for me.  As I continued to walk,  I swear, I didn’t even get 50 feet away from this young man when I received a text from my accountant.  An issue I had been dealing with regarding my business taxes for almost a year at that point had, all of a sudden been settled.  It was a $1,500 fee that was now no charge.  Incredible, right?

My friends, that is the way this magnificent universe works.  Random acts of kindness are rewarded all the time…as long as the intention is to give just to give.  If you look at every successful person you know, famous or not, look at the amount of time and money they give back.  Our intentions every single day should be from a place of giving, not getting.  Giving opens you up, which opens up opportunity.  Getting keeps you closed off and keeps all of the richness, abundance, wealth, and gifts out. 

Stop for a minute and think about the times in your life when you are feeling blessed, abundant, happy…what were you doing at the time?  Then, think about the times in your life when you feel bad, lonely, hurt, jealous, a sense of lack…what was your behavior then?

I love this story so much and I think about that young man often.  I keep him in my prayers and hope that he is safe and warm, feeling loved, seen and appreciated.  We all need that.  Now, I’m not saying that you need to go buy a meal for a homeless person, but wouldn’t that feel so good?  Not with any expectation to get something in return, just for the sheer act of giving.  Think about giving something today.  I promise you, it will come back to you in a much grander way. 

With Love,

Diane

Quote:  No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted…Aesop.