Giving, with Respect

 A long time ago...

A long time ago, I, with my family went for a visit to a pilgrimage. On our way back, we've stopped at an open ground to have lunch. Sat down at a nice, shady spot under a tree and unloaded everything from our car. Served ourselves the food we've brought and started having it. It is then a guy came to our spot. 

Young, well-groomed, well-dressed. With zero hesitation, he came straight to us and asked whether he could get some food to eat, as he was feeling hungry. The very first thought that popped into my mind is," He looks to be a young, earning man. He could've bought something to eat. Why did he even think of asking food to strangers." But, my Grandmother put the best food from what we've got onto a plate and gave it to him with a smile. He sat on a rock nearby, ate wholeheartedly, thanked us, and left on his bike. But, the first thought just kept festering in the back of my mind. Who in the world would ask a stranger for something, when you could buy it yourself.

Back story

Apparently, he came to visit the same pilgrimage, but it was closed. He has a long way to go but didn't find a hotel to have his lunch. He saw us and asked us for food. Still. that wouldn't answer my question. If I was him, I would never have asked a stranger.

A Greater meaning

As I asked this question to my family, I've got two answers. One from my father, another from my Grandmother.

From my Father

We could never have asked a stranger that confidently for anything. So, if some unknown person asks you for some help, we should firstly, respect the courage which brought him/her to you, and secondly, we should help at least to some extent for the same above reason.

From my Grandmother

Food donation had been considered as one of the greatest donations in our history. If you donate money, it could be spent in a million ways. If you donate food, it can only be spent to fill the hunger. Also, our traditions have taught us to donate the best food from what we have, if someone asks for it.

A New View

These two answers not only answered my question but also enhanced the view at which I see donations. To date, donations from my end were mostly made out of sympathy. But now, every single donation comes out of respect.

There are still occasions where people ask me for money at Traffic signals, Bus stops, etc. Previously, I would've either donated or showed some sort of sympathy. Now, even if I'm in no condition to donate, I'll show them my whole-hearted respect, cause I could never be able to able to do that in a million years.

YOU HAVE NOT LIVED TODAY UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN NEVER REPAY YOU - John Bunyan