Yesterday we were driving home from dropping Lanee off at the airport and, while stopped at a light, I saw a young woman with a sign asking for money. Now,I don't give money to everyone I see. In fact, I hardly do it at all, preferring to donate to charities, churches, etc. But sometimes, when I see someone asking for help, I feel like they genuinely need help, my help, and I am supposed to do what I can. As soon as I saw her, I knew I should give her money. Without hesitating, I reached in my wallet, grabbed some cash and rolled down my window. She walked over, took the money and thanked me. Layla asked, "Mom, what did that lady give you?"
"Nothing," I replied, "I gave her some money."
"Why?" she asked.
As I started to answer her, the spirit hit me like a wave. In an instant my throat tightened and tears filled my eyes. "Because she's having a hard time, and I wanted to help," I said.
When I was saying my prayers last night I remembered this woman. Again I felt the spirit very strong and was compelled to pray for her. As I lay in bed thinking about her and why she needed my help I realized that the money I gave her might have made as little difference in her life as it would have in mine. In fact, my life was probably impacted more by the experience than hers was, because I followed a simple prompting of kindness to a stranger.
I have found that every time I choose to follow a feeling like that, even though I'm never sure whether it's my gut, my mind or the spirit, it has a positive impact on me. I am also able to recognize the spirit stronger the next time I am prompted when I choose to follow rather than ignore. I am grateful to this woman for the opportunity she gave me to do something selfless and hope that she gets all the help she needs.
2 comments:
That is so sweet. Im sure she really needed the help and prayers. Its hard to tell sometimes who is really in need, but when you follow the spirit like that you know you are doing something right.
Thanks for the posting. I think we get promptings every day to do things for others. When we follow them we begin to see ourselves differently, less the "I" and more the "We." We recognize our connection to humanity and start to feel a sense of responsibility and ownership, as if the cares and concerns of others are as important as our own.
Thanks for reminding me of this principle.
Dad
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