Becoming Grateful Day 3: Help the Beggar

Help the Beggar

 "For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?" Mosiah 4:19, Book of Mormon

A few quick examples:

One of the young women I knew from church shared this idea with me based on something her family did.  They made several brown bag lunches--a drink, sandwich, piece of fruit and wet wipe.  Then drove around town to where they knew some of homeless people often hang out to give them a lunch.

Several years ago, one of my brother in laws told me something he'd done to help a homeless person in need. He related  that he had felt somewhat depressed and down during the winter season.  On his way to his office in the city, he often passed beggars on the street.  He decided to get through this personal rut by serving someone who had less than he did.  I don't remember everything my brother in law did, but I do remember that he bought the man a nice pair of winter gloves and a big chocolate bar.  He brought it to him one day and didn't just hand it off, but spent some time giving him the items.  When the homeless man was given the gifts he expressed his true gratitude and thanks, but when he was given the candy bar, he got a huge smile on his face.  I never saw that smile, but I saw my brother in law's smile, and that smile spread to me.  Being grateful brings happiness.  Happiness spreads to everyone it touches.

Our family recently attended a baptismal service for a woman at church.  Afterwards we had a get together at the local park where there happened to also be some homeless men sleeping under the trees.  We had plenty of left over food, and the husband and wife whose celebration it was invited the homeless men to come fill up as much as they wanted, and to tell the other guys nearby to come get some too.  They even pulled a full case of water bottles out of their car and gave it to them.  (I realized that a water bottle has a two fold purpose; 1-water, 2-can be turned in for money at a recycling center.)  This couple had such love and compassion for these strangers.  I learned that the husband had once been in such circumstances himself.  They knew the value of some extra food and water.  

All these things have a common thread--these people served someone less fortunate than themselves because they knew the value of giving and weren't worried about impressing others.  It bless others and we are blessed when we give.  

It's easy to think "oh they brought this on themselves" or "they probably make lots of money begging, so I'm not going to help them" or "I donate to organized charities."  All of these things are thoughts I have had myself.  And while these thoughts are often true, I don't believe it relieves of helping someone else in such a situation.  However, there are times when we all should remember that in some way or another, we are ourselves beggars and regardless of a WHY someone is begging or homeless isn't what God will ask US about.  That is between them and God.  What God will look for in us, is did we help others when we could and when we felt prompted to?

Here's a video I really like about being good to others, because they are good people too--even if you don't know them yet.

Other ways to help those less fortunate.

-Volunteer time at a soup kitchen.

-Donate to a legitimate charity that helps homeless people, families, etc.  There are plenty of organizations to work with in your area, so just pick up the phone and call or search them out on the internet to start.

-Donate food, hygiene products, usable clothes, books to a shelter.

-Give a homeless person a gift card for food or to a grocery store or restaurant like Subway, a bagel shop or McDonald's.

-Drop some money in the waiting cup.

-Say hi and don't be afraid of a conversation

-Create kits to leave in your car for a time you see someone to give it to.  Fill a quart size or gallon size ziplock bag with items like, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream and a razor, a water bottle, hand warmers, granola or protein bar, mini cereal box, juice box, small candies, pair of gloves or socks, etc ( I like this suggestion to put it in a sock...http://penniesoftime.blogspot.com/p/what-is-small-service-act.html)

-Give a homeless person a hug, or shake their hand.

I bet you can think of more.  If you have children, involve them too.  They will appreciate what they have more when they share it with someone who doesn't.  They will also become more grateful to you, because of your example.  

We'd love to hear your experience doing this and how it helped you feel more gratitude.  Leave it in the comments section.