Thinking Out Loud

I ran into Smith's today to deposit a check and on my way into the store, I noticed a man holding a sign asking for assistance. I made a mental note to help him on my way out. As I was driving out of the parking lot, it wasn't convenient to stop--he was on the other side of the road and I was in a hurry to get home, so I drove on by and glanced the other way. Why do we do that? I know why. When we look away, we can pretend we don't see their suffering. And if we don't see it, we are off the hook to help or don't have to feel guilty for not helping.  Well, I didn't get too far before turning my car around. I wanted that man to know "I see you!" "I see your suffering and your suffering is mine!" I pulled up to the curb and rolled down the passenger side window. I was now close enough to see his cardboard sign that read, "Working on getting my situation worked out." He stammered, "I'm working on getting back to work and I...

What does Abundance in Action look like? I would explain it, but honestly, Annie Dillard has already done so poetically and perfectly: One of the few things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book: give it, give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. The impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. I love this line particularly, “Give it, give it all, give it now. . . something more will arise for later, something better!” Truer words have never been spoken. It is impossible to give yourself poor. The Universe smiles kindly upon those who g...

Tonight we attended the Killers' Concert and there were many lessons I learned: 1) I give because I can and because I want to. On our walk from the Joseph Smith Building to the Vivint Arena we were skipping and a gentleman joined in while singing "We're off to see the Wizard." It was endearing. We asked him what he was up to and he proceeded to admit that he was homeless and living in a tent. He explained that he was actually in need of $28 for an application. I told him that I just so happened to have $30. I pulled out my wallet and gave him $30 plus $5 for good measure. He was positively delighted. I know some wondered why I would give to him and whether it was really legit, but honestly, I don't care what he does with the money for "Ask and ye shall receive." He is my brother and he is not as fortunate as I when it comes to currency. So I shared my surplus. And as we waited for the light to change, I noticed a beggar in a wheel chair. His sign sai...