There is a certain joy in giving

The old woman stood in back of the church not making a sound as the offering plate was making its way through the congregation. She had little money, and her cupboard was bare, but she knew the joy of giving.

As the collection plate passed before her, she gently dropped in her two pennies from her weathered and worn hands for the glory of God.

I remember, too, those words of Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese poet, who once shared, “There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”

And so it must have been with the old woman and those pennies of the poor people who would help build those mighty cathedrals skyward.

And what of those who count the shillings of the collection plate after they leave the house of worship?

Religions down through the ages of mankind have grown in proportion to those tithes of their believers. And many throughout civilization have been diligent in investing these offerings for the benefit of humanity and the poor.

But then there is another saying that "the love of money is the root of all evil." And even the keepers of these religious gates at times have strayed down that slippery slope of greed.

In the Hindu religion, gaining wealth is one of the four aims of life, but there is also a requirement to share and avoid being greedy. Charity is supposed to be a major part of this belief system.

Islam also has an important role for giving.

Christianity, too, has many similar religious requirements. It speaks of assisting the sick and the poor while outlining guidelines for the rich. A major theme of this religion is founded in the following from 1 Corinthians 13:13:

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

Other major religions share in words and deed that notion of helping the needy, sick, and others.

Some pulpit show masters, however, have soured this pot of a seemingly good porridge, and often ignore that verse about "the love of money is the root of all evil."

Do you remember some examples of those smooth-talking preachers on TV who promise to eliminate one’s debt if only the individual would send them a few dollars and donation so they might pray for them before God and make them debt free?

And then many of these loyal followers living in poverty would comply and send their scarce few dollars and have the preacher man pray over their debt.

If for some reason you didn’t receive that immediate financial relief as promised, well, it must be something you were doing wrong. The preacher fulfilled his or her promise for your contribution and kind donation.

Sorry about your luck!

When you look at some other soothsayers in white suits who promise to heal one of your physical afflictions for a small donation, that "love of money" can be seen again in that false prophet’s eyes.

When one’s illness does not improve, that holy man then assumes that you are lacking in sufficient faith.

Sorry again!

The love of money has many disguises.

Even Judas, a chosen and most trusted disciple, would betray his best friend for 50 pieces of silver.

There appears to be a great divide between the art of giving and those who exist to extend their own wealth through greed.

Mother Teresa, was one of my favorite heroes. She spent practically her entire life in the trenches with the poor, lepers and dying of India while providing and offering love and care.

Funds from all over the world were collected in her name and deed and placed in a church's bank, but no balance sheet was made available in how these collections were spent.

There is a certain joy to be had for sure in helping others, as Gibran shared so eloquently.

Recently, I took a short trip to McDonald's in Shepherdstown to get a senior coffee with three creamers. My cost was 63 cents.

After I proceeded down the drive-thru to pay, the cashier told me he had just received a dollar tip and wanted to pay for my coffee, and pay it forward.

I asked if he was sure.

"Indeed I am," he replied.

"Who am I to rob you of a blessing?" I said.

He smiled.

My Dargan thinking?

It's been said, "A man's true wealth is the good he does in the world."

May your life’s journey be filled with joy!

Amen.

Lloyd "Pete" Waters is a Sharpsburg resident who writes for The Herald-Mail.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Many feel a calling to give, a blessing for giver and recipient