A couple of weeks ago I was having a ROMEO* lunch with two dear friends, Tucker H. And Jim S., both of Indianapolis and Naples fame, and the topic turned to spreading joy through small acts of kindness. Tucker mentioned that he carries a stash of $5.00 bills around and often gives one to the person at the McDonald’s drive up window and the like. He commented that the reactions of joy are often priceless. Jim S. had similar jolly stories to share.
Probably 20 years ago I was having breakfast with my friend Dan E. At “Biscuits” in the Broad Ripple Village in Indianapolis. Dan left a cash tip greater than his breakfast bill. I commented on the kindness of his generosity and he said “It means everything to her and nothing to me and you.” That comment caused a paradigm shift for me. Until that moment, I was a steady 20% tipper. In that moment I changed to Dan’s perspective.
A number of years ago Susan and I were on a cruise and our friend Debbie L. commented that they always leave a cash tip for the maids that clean their room each day when staying in hotels, cruise rooms and such. What a magnificent act of kindness!
I know people that pass along $5.00 to the people that collect tolls at toll booths.
My friend John H. Almost always leaves a $100.00 as a tip in restaurants. He usually leaves before they find it.
Another friend always tips generously but then leaves a $100.00 bill additionally if the waitress is pregnant….with a note telling them to buy a gift for the baby.
Another friend keeps a few $20.00 bills around his house so he can “buy lunch” for service people that pass through. He only asks that they pretend that he is there having fun with them when they have that lunch.
Another friend ALWAYS picks up the tabs for people in uniform. He has picked up bar tabs for entire platoons in airports. He enjoys watching them try to figure out who did it!
The Bible has much to say about being a generous giver. Here are a few verses:
- Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. - Acts 20:35 (quoting Jesus)
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” - Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
Romeo Lunch* = Retired old men eating out. —— Juliet Lunch = Joyful Unique Ladies invited every time!
Not everyone is in position to enjoy the Blessing of such giving. But for those who can , it is a joyful act indeed.
Give It Away (Lyric Video/Live At Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC/2018) Gaither Music TV
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage – You Don’t Love God If You Don’t Love Your Neighbor (Live)
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Have a great week and keep your spirits high.
Hugs, Bill
We are here to be of service both in our actions and sharing what we have been blessed with. The question I ask myself is what would Jesus do.
Amen Sally Amen.