Just A Thought

“When the poor give to the rich, the devil laughs,” a famous quote by Renaissance artist Benvenuto Cellini.

Cellini wrote it during the period when he was composing his life story, which he began writing in 1558, at the age of 58, and continued until just before his death in 1571. They say the quote reflects his characteristic blend of wit, self-awareness, and moral commentary.

I like this guy. Not sure he’d feel the same about me. I’m still drawing stick figures. Maybe he could have shown me how to put clothes on them. Naked stick figures are downright indecent.

I make it my goal to never give to the rich. Enough is never enough for them. Millionaires want to be multi-millionaires. Multi-millionaires want to be billionaires. Billionaires want to be multi-billionaires. Multi-billionaires rush to be the world’s first trillionaire. It’s an insatiable greed that has no end. In some cases, it appears to have eaten away at their humanity until there’s nothing that resembles kindness. All that’s left is a look of smug superiority as they turn their heads to the wants, needs or suffering of others.

I think we’ve all heard the phrase, “Money can’t buy happiness.” Not sure where that started, but it’s not entirely true. Money makes me happy. I’m happy when the bills are paid. I’m happy that I get to feed my family. I’m happy when I can assist family and friends during times of financial struggles. I’m happy when I can rescue dogs and cats, which usually cost me between $100 and $300 per animal. And random acts of kindness make me happy.

Not many people know this about me, but I enjoy spontaneous gestures aimed at helping others out financially or to just brighten someone’s day. If at all humanly possible, I prefer to remain anonymous. Sometimes I can pull it off, while other times I cannot.

I’ve been known to pay $20 towards the groceries of the people behind me in line; that makes anonymity easier. Cashiers are always excited to help me out. The last time I did it was a sweet older couple who kept letting people in front of them just because they didn’t have very many items in their buggy. Their genuine kindness got to me.

I’ve bought items for children when they want something that their parents cannot seem to afford. My favorite line, “I’m sorry. Excuse me. I don’t have grandchildren yet. Can I spoil your child?” I haven’t had a parent turn me down yet.

When my children were young, I used to pick a struggling family at Christmas and purchase their children’s items as I bought for my own. I’d set a budget for myself and stick to it. I couldn’t stay anonymous, but thinking about those children receiving something from Santa was all the thanks I really needed. 

I’m a Goodwill junky. I love it. Anytime I can save money and buy my family what’s needed, I’m all in. I was there one day and overheard an older gentleman ask if they could hold an item for them until Thursday. The woman seemed to be his wife. I can only assume that’s when their social security check arrived. Staff said they would. His wife found a little box that she wanted. He’s standing in front of me in the checkout line. I’m struggling to figure out what to say. It’s never my intent to embarrass or insult in my efforts to spread a little joy. Just before his turn came, I stated, “Sir, are you going to buy that?” He said he was. I asked if I could pay for it. He seemed genuinely happy to let me. He thanked me. I wished him a blessed day as he walked away. I regret not purchasing the item he had reserved.

I’ve also had the rare opportunity to leave food items on the vehicles of law enforcement as they are parked outside of Walmart. If I’m walking into the store and I see one outside, I will buy something with the hopes that they are still there when I leave. They’re criticized why too much. I feel like they need occasional acts of kindness. Once, Doug was with me and we decided on a box of Debbie Cakes. The officers were outside when we were exiting, so we handed it over and thanked them for all they do. Once, there were no vehicles parked outside, but they were there on my way out. No chance to buy anything. I did have bananas. So, that’s what I left on their windshields. I went home and apologized to Doug for giving away his potassium boost.

I’ve been doing things like these for most of my adult life. As long as I have enough money to pay my bills and purchase what we need, I do enjoy spreading a little love in a world that desperately needs all it can get.

My occasional spurges have resulted in one shortfall. I had a financial advisor say, ‘We need to talk about your retirements plans.’ My reply was, ‘At this point, my retirement plans need a paramedic and not a financial advisor.’ That ended that conversation.  While I’m not well-off financially, I’m wealthy in all the ways that really count. I wouldn’t trade one cool evening by the firepit at my house for an all-expenses-paid luxury vacation. However, if you want to prove me wrong, I’m willing to listen. I can be reached at lisa.hobbswcw@gmail.com.