Another cold day. Were supposed to get 6-12 inches of snow over the next 24 hours or so. Should be fun.
I found today’s $10 recipient on my way home from the gym. Julie is a 30 something professional. She stood, feet firmly planted on the curb with her eyes fixated on the busy street in front of her. Next to her sat a rather large wrapped box…about 2’x 2’.
I don’t know why I picked Julie today. Maybe it was the curiosity of what was in the box. Maybe it was because she was standing still…I realize now that this makes people easier targets for me. If someone is moving I either need to convince them to stop and talk to me or walk and talk all while assuring them that I am not a creepy stalker. She was also standing alone…I have hesitated to approach couples, groups, etc. to avoid having to decide which person to give the $10 to. I guess I could divide it up…that’s an idea. Or give them the option. Anyway, I am still new at this so cut me some slack.
Anyway, back to Julie. The thirty-something resident of DC quickly told me that she was waiting for her husband to pick her up. I sensed that she was pretty skeptical of me…we spoke for less than 10 minutes and I am certain that she was convinced that there was some catch or I was out of my mind…although she might be right about the latter. It also probably didn’t help that I was wearing bright red nylon work-out pants, on my way home I noticed some small children staring at them in an almost hypnotic trance – perhaps they thought I was an off duty Santa Claus.
Anyway, she folded the two five dollar bills into her hand while fighting off a look of befuddlement. She wasn’t sure what she would do with the money. She explained that she might be leaving tonight to drive to St. Louis for the holidays. FYI Mapquest says that is a 13 hour and 43 minute drive covering 862.26 miles! Wow. They either better have gotten on the road right then or probably waited until Sunday if the storm is going to be as bad as they say. When I pressed her again about what she was going to do with the money, she said probably that it would be spent on coffee at some place on the road to St. Louis.
Julie seemed like an interesting person…the type that had our meeting not been so weird that you would spend more time talking to. She even mentioned that her and her husband have a wedding band. My brother is getting married in February…maybe he needs a wedding band…I bet I could get them to give him a good deal…at least $10 off J. I wished Julie well and as I was leaving she stopped me, extended her right hand, asked me my name, and thanked me. You’re welcome.
Day 4 is done…and the snow is on its way. In case you are wondering, I forgot to ask her what was in the big box.
Year of Giving 
Your project blows my mind! You are so amazing to do this wonderful act of kindness. I’m curious as to what sparked this incredible idea. I just finished reading a book on giving called, “The Treasure Principle,” by Randy Alcorn. It’s basically about sending treasures on ahead to heaven by giving away our wealth to those who need it instead of hording it all while we are here on Earth. Alcorn says the 10% tithe is a just a start, a minimum. We should be looking for ways to give to others in addition to tithing. Thanks for your tangible inspiration. I look forward to keeping up with your venture.
Thanks Toya! Glad you like what I am doing. It has been an amazing experience so far. I will check out Randy Alcorn’s book! -Reed
Good luck on your new project, Reed! Looks really “Capra-ish”. Not everybody would have the courage to do that nowadays. Like your writing style too. Maybe this project will evolve to a book?
Toya and Reed,
Your mention of the Randy Alcorn book reminded me of a book I read a few month’s ago, called “The Noticer” by Randy Alcorn.
I think you would enjoy reading it if you have not already. It might inspire something else to do either as a follow-up or even in partnership with what you are doing … assuming the finances hold out.
Maybe there’s someone out there who would sponsor your efforts.
Taking the time to directly involve yourself in someone’s life can have a profound impact. Not all of them, obviously, but some of the people you are touching may be inspired to make real change. That’s a very cool thing.
By the way, I saw your ad referenced somewhere on the internet, which lead me to the Washington Post article, which led me to your site. Been reading through blog entries and find it very interesting.