“Ho niente.”

Have you ever told a lie and instantly felt bad about it? You knew it wasn’t true, and in fact, it was the opposite of true. I have everything I need and much of what I want, and I said “I have nothing.” On the streets of Florence to a woman with a child, I treated her the same as most everyone probably does. I kept walking. I instantaneously felt convicted, and within minutes turned around to find her.

As humans, we often generalize. We make assumptions about people’s intentions, whether good or bad. We think we can’t make a difference.

The truth is, one person can make a difference for one person. Many people can make a difference for many. We have been so lucky and blessed to receive so much, to give just a little is a privilege.

Let us not think of ourselves above others. We do not know the circumstances of how someone came to be, and our own situation could become unfortunate in an instant.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38

This year, let us make a resolution to give of ourselves and of all we have, whenever we are able. Wishing a very Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a Happy New Year!