Ive always tried to be a kind person and have never been greedy. If there was ever something someone in need could use, Id happily give it to themno hesitation. Sometimes, you just have to share with your fellow man, as the Bible teaches.
So, one day, I chose to give away a jacket without asking for any money. Perhaps someone out there cant afford winter clothes, while mine was just tucked away in my wardrobe. Id only worn it a handful of times. It was a nice jacket, bought at a decent price.
I decided to post on a local community group online, offering the jacket for free. It didnt take long for someone to contact mea woman messaged privately and we agreed to meet at 9pm.
But then, at midnight, I heard a knock at the door.
Whos there? I called out.
Its me, about the jacket. We agreed for nine oclock, but now its midnight. Dont you think people might be asleep at this hour? Lets do it tomorrow.
No, not tomorrow. I want it tonight! she insisted.
I was taken aback by her boldness, but I decided I ought to just hand over the jacket anyway. I did so, and then, without even a word of thanks, she declared, I wont be trying this on out hereI need to see if it fits!
Giving it away for free, I thought there shouldnt be much to try on. Do you expect me to let you try it on in the hallway? At least invite me in, she added. My children are asleep, I replied. Well, Ill just hop in the lift then.
She literally sneered at me, seized the jacket, and left without a thank you.
Despite everything, I handed over the jacket. But honestly, Id never encountered such rudeness in all my days. I quietly decided never to give anything away again. It really does seemsome people simply dont appreciate a good deed.
Yet, as I closed the door that night, I realised: Kindness should come from the heart, without expectation of gratitude. Even if my gesture wasnt returned with thanks, I learned that generosity is about doing the right thingregardless of how others choose to respond.
