Understanding my Friend

I often refer to God as my best friend.  I will say it casually (because it's normal to me) and people will most often chuckle, thinking I'm kidding.  I let them think that because it really does not matter to me if they believe me or not.

My best Friend greets me each day in the most amazing way.  He gives me a sun, some type of beautiful sky (never the same sky as before), sounds from birds, what else?  Most humans have to put forth a lot of effort to say, "Good Morning."

I was introduced to God at a very young age, ever since I could remember, actually.  He and I have formed the strongest of bonds and I lean on him for everything.  It was very hard for me to learn to love God as much as I do but once I fell in love, there was no turning back.

I think God is funny because of how he exposes me to new ideas and sentiments.  One of my favorite stories of his unparalleled humor is when I told him I wanted to teach at a public school in the inner city and He put me in a Catholic school about 40 miles outside of the city.  I love that freaking school.

Another reason why I love God so much is because of how mysterious He to me.  Why is he so hard to figure out?  One of my very best work friends, Fr. Merk, explained in a homily, "For God to explain to us everything He is and how much He loves us is like a 50 year old explaining to a 3 year old everything he knows."  The 3 year old might grasp a sliver of what the 50 year old is explaining, but what the 50 year old knows is just too much for the 3 year old to comprehend.

Charity

I'm constantly amazed at the attitude that some have regarding the poor and homeless in our country.

Today, as we were reviewing the conditional tense (I would live, you would say, what would he do, etc.), I asked the students the age old question, "If you won the lottery, what would you do with it?"  Of course there were many different answers, some laughs, so on and so forth.  Then I asked a more specific question, "If you won the lottery, would you donate any to the poor?"

Several students immediately nodded, but one girl raised her hand.  She said to the class, "I would never donate to anyone who was begging for money.  I would hand them an application form to go get a job."  I couldn't believe what she said!  My heart broke into so many pieces at the thought of a 17 year old with such a closed minded framework.

Now, before anyone writes me off, let me explain what I'm trying to say.  I understand this student in the sense that giving money (esp. cash) to homeless and to poor people often ends up where it shouldn't.  Maybe it is used to buy drugs or alcohol, but what happens if it isn't?  What if it helped buy that person a warm shower or a full meal to eat?  

I do not offer cash, but I always offer food (from a restaurant) and around 3-4 people have taken me up for it.  Another way to help beggars is to give them a $5 gift card to a fast food joint.  That way, they can grab some food or maybe a nice warm drink on a cold wintry day.  

At the moment she said her comment, I must admit I was speechless.  But the day has now passed and I was able to reflect on what I would like to say to her:

Everyone has benefited from charity, some more than others.  It's our responsibility to give to others what we have been given.  For example, I could say that, "I work hard for what I have and others should have to work hard for what they have too."  While that is true, it's not the whole truth.  The whole truth would be to give credit to all those who have given to me, even when they didn't have to.  Where do I begin?

1. My parents, who worked their tails off to give me food on my plate, a beautiful home and a bed in a safe neighborhood.
2. My immediate and extended family, who consistently gave me their time and effort to help me raise money, do homework, etc. to have all of the opportunities and grades I needed and wanted to have in school
3. My parents, who gave me a car to get to and from work.
4. My parents, who gave me another car, when the first one broke, so I could use it to get to and from the University of Illinois.  It was this same car that I was able to turn in for a down payment on a  new car, which is much safer and more comfortable.  It would not have been possible without that first (Black Bomber!) car, though.
5. My parents, who gave me everything they could to get me an amazing education, which would lead to the job I have now.  A job that is challenging, engaging, inspiring, and one that I truly love.
6. My work, which gives me benefits for great healthcare, help for further education and a place to put away money for the future.
7. My teachers and college professors, who gave me all of their time and energy to make sure I learned everything I could so I could do the same.
8. My wonderful Auntie Joan, who died and left me enough money to travel Spain (where I was able to finish my Spanish degree) and to put a down payment on the most beautiful home that kept me warm all winter long.  
9. My Mom, Dad, and brother, who worked so hard to help me prepare this home that I love so much.
10. My fiance, who gives me his time to help me with EVERYTHING!  When I need him to listen while I vent, when I need him to cook dinner while I grade, when I need him to be a sounding board for when I'm struggling with an issue.  
11. My sister, Amanda, who GIVES, GIVES, GIVES!  She is a true role model when it comes to serving others before yourself.  Most recently she has given me time to help me wedding plan.  :-)

This list barely skims the surface, but I want so badly to explain my ideas to this student who assumes that "People should work for what they have."  Again, while that sentence is true, it's not explaining all that needs to be explained.  I do work hard to continue to have all that I have, but if it weren't for the charity of others, I would not be where I am today.  All of my life people have just given to me, out of the goodness of their hearts, to help me. 

“Love is not patronizing and charity isn't about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same -- with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead.”

― Mother Teresa  

This post is dedicated to all of  those that have given to me--through their love, money and time--to help me.  Thank you!  May God Bless all that give to others