The best $10 I’ve ever spent
December 22, 2010
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Posted by Bill Ferguson
I went to a restaurant today and saw an elderly gentleman cleaning off tables. He walked with a limp and didn’t look like he had much money. When he walked by, I gave him $20 and wished him well.
His reaction surprised me. His face lit up like he had won the lottery. He was so thankful for the gift. He then asked if he could get me some iced tea or something more to eat. He wanted to give back to me in any way that he could.
I was deeply moved by his appreciation and his eagerness to return the favor. In that moment, I felt like I had won the lottery. I made a difference in his life. I have spent lots of money over the years doing things that I thought would bring me happiness, but nothing has brought me more joy than giving this man a $20 bill.
I’m sure the money was important to him, but more than that, I suspect that he was appreciative for having been recognized as a human being. He felt loved.
As you go through life, look for ways to empower people and have them feel loved. It’s amazing the difference we can make in someone’s life with such a small amount of effort.
Categories: Uncategorized
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i did something similar in port aransas at a little cafe… a very elderly woman was working as a table “busser”… i watched her go about her work and i wondered how she made ends meet financially… i called her over to my table and asked her if she had been working at this cafe very long.. i asked her if she got any of the tips, and she said no. i said today you do and i gave her a $20. she was so grateful and i knew she would make good use of the $. i made her day, and she made mine… 😉