All About Generosity

By Kari Giltner (DMCW volunteer)

One of the most beautiful characteristics that can be found in human beings is generosity. This is one of the reasons I love to go to the Catholic Worker House to interact with the guests and to quietly observe them. It is wonderful when people who have, share with people who have not. A place like the Catholic Worker House exists mainly because of the generosity of people who are willing and able to donate their time, money, and possessions. For this, we heartily thank you.

But let me speak for a moment of another instance of generosity. At this point, it is important to consider the actions of the people involved and not dwell on your opinion of the product, cigarettes. I have witnessed two homeless men, for instance, who probably between the two of them, don’t have a buck in change. But, one of those men has a couple of smokes and will share them or even give away his last smoke to another who is without. Many times I have seen a person who has little to share, willingly give it away to someone with less. And let me tell you, this I know from experience, when you don’t know where your next dollar is coming from, cigarettes are worth their weight in gold.

Time after time, I have seen these dear people eagerly share with one other and think nothing of it at all. Do you see the beauty of it? It’s incredible; isn’t it? I am in awe when allowed to witness it. When you feel like everything is wrong in your life, and you are overwhelmed with the weight of your responsibilities, I would encourage you to come over to the Catholic Worker House for a bit and see the beauty.