Second Nature Giving

Gary Waddingham, rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Billings, Montana, tells this story: “Several years ago, when I was ministering in a small rural community, we had extra food left over from our Christmas basket.

I happened to think of a poor family that lived on the edge of town. I drove to their house with food in tow. I am never sure how one goes about ‘doing charity’ while preserving the dignity of those who receive the charity. I said to the woman (amidst her several children), ‘do you know anyone who could use some extra food?’ thinking this was a subtle way of offering the food to her.

‘You bet,’ she said and got her coat, headed toward her car, and said ‘Follow me.’ She took me to people who were poorer than she, who also desperately needed food. I remember clearly that there was absolutely no hesitation on her part. For some people, giving is second nature.”