I was doing my final shopping for my Thanksgiving dinner. I assured myself that this would be my final visit to Ralphs Grocery store for the "last minute items." I had only made two previous stops for what I thought was my last minute items. I came out of the store to be greeted by a gentleman whose name I learned was Big Chicago. He asked for my assistance in giving him some money so that he could get something to eat. I had some change in my hand and I went over to offer it to him. When I opened my hand and saw it was three pennies, I was too embarrassed to give him such meager change. I told him the money in my hand was too small to give him. He asked me how much I had. I told him three cents. He said he would accept that. After I gave him my three cents, he thanked me with a smile. His smile was so bright it made me happy.
Big Chicago gave me an invaluable life lesson. He said that he took the three cents because someone will give him fifty cents, someone else a quarter, another person two dimes, someone two cents, and my three cents would provide him with one dollar. It's the little pieces that provide the completion. I stood in awe over his discernment, but what he said next totally blew me away.
He looked me in the eye and said that because of my generous heart he wanted to give me a gift. He saw my intent and it was not the amount but the spirit of giving. He said when you have an open heart and give, more is available for you to give. He actually said, "I took it so that more bounty can overfill your coffer." He said he sits there daily and observes the response of people who pass him. He said when he speaks some rush by totally ignoring him and others respond. He said some care that he eats and others don't. It wasn't my neighborhood Ralphs, but I have probably been someone who has rushed by in the past, but that day I received my blessing. I will offer a smile, a hello, an acknowledgment, and perhaps three more coins.
When have you considered something you have was too small to offer on your job, in your business, to your family, and to your community? Think about Big Chicago. He says your little may be the piece that provides what is needed to make something happen. He also said by your giving what you have, you will not only help someone else but you will receive blessings so that you can keep on doing.
Thank you Big Chicago for reminding me that everything I have is of consequence and I will use whatever I have to make a difference.