Charity

Today, in a Sunday lesson, the subject of charity came up. Two examples of charity popped into my head.

First (and foremost) is the example of cs and her philosophy — giving with both hands open. No questions asked, no judgments made, bar none.

Me, I tend to follow the example of Dennis the Menace (TV sitcom 1959-63): First, I give with one hand, then with the other.

Let me explain:

In one episode, Dennis goes outside to play with his friend, Tommy. In his hands, Dennis has two apples. One is small and the other apple is rather large. Tommy sees that Dennis has no intentions of sharing either apple with him. Tommy then explains to Dennis that his mother had taught him that it was always polite to share with others. Dennis gets the idea and offers Tommy the smaller apple. Tommy further explains that his mother also taught him that you should always offer the bigger piece. Dennis contemplates this for a moment, then he gives, not one, but both apples to his friend Tommy. Tommy’s eyes get extremely large with his new found treasures. Suddenly, Dennis asks, Tommy, I see that you have two apples. Aren’t you going to offer me one?