"Maybe You Should Head to the Store Instead of Waiting for Handouts. We Don't Do Takeaways Here! Stop Begging!"

“Maybe You Should Head to the Store Instead of Waiting for Handouts. We Don’t Do Takeaways Here! Stop Begging!”

One of our mutual friends, Daniel, took the biblical phrase “Ask, and it shall be given unto you” to a whole new level. He requested something sweet from the holiday dinner “for his family waiting at home for the cake I’m bringing!” The pie, which was the last to grace the table, was merely a part of his “begging program.” Before the hostess, Jennifer, had even cleared the dishes, Daniel had made his move.

The Neighbor's Old Grill and a Lesson in Generosity

The Neighbor’s Old Grill and a Lesson in Generosity

After eyeing my neighbor’s old grill, I hoped to acquire it for a few backyard barbecues. Despite my hints, my neighbor, John, firmly refused, citing the old adage, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” The following day brought an unexpected turn of events that left me reflecting on the value of generosity and the cost of missed opportunities.