No Money for Almsgiving?

Years ago, when we were in San Francisco, we went into a fast food place that had a happy man standing outside the business holding the door and greeting customers. I actually thought they had hired him to do this because he did such an exceptional job.

Turns out, he was one of the many, many homeless people in the city who was simply hoping for a tip in exchange for his "service." I was impressed that they allowed him to do it, likely seeing him as an asset to the business, rather than an annoyance to the customers.

During Lent, almsgiving is highlighted, but if you happen to be someone without money in your pocket to share, I have an idea for you.

Practice generosity of words.

Yes, generosity. It doesn't have to come in the form of money, but it can still be a way to give alms. As you go through your week, look for opportunities to lift up other people by your words. 

Tell your restaurant servers what a good job they are doing and how much you appreciate their good service. Refer to them by name.

Let the direct care workers of your loved ones know that their compassion and joy is a real gift.

Let those doing work on your house know that you notice how hard they work and how skillful they are. Don't hesitate to mention it to their boss.

Never assume those you encounter know you appreciate them. It helps for them to hear you say it.

I have never--not once--said something nice like this to someone without seeing a smile rise up on their face, causing them to return a genuine expression of gratitude for being "seen."

Your generosity of words can make such a difference. We've had waitstaff absolutely beam when we acknowledged what a good server they were.

Our compliments are genuine and truly come from the heart. We don't give them because we hope to get something in return. We just believe that speaking our admiration out loud to others makes the world a better place.

I guarantee, once you start giving alms in this way, you will make it your life's practice.

Of course, if you can give monetary alms, do that as well, but remember to add a little generosity of words to your gift.

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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