Who am I to judge?

A conversation I had with my mom over the Christmas holiday resonated in my mind today. I saw a man with a sign, asking for money, which reminded me of my mom's story. She and a friend were solicited for money in a parking lot in the small town I grew up in. Not necessarily newsworthy here, people are on every freeway exit here, but notable in Eagle River, Alaska, where there is rarely evidence of a homeless person. In fact, my mom has lived in that area for over 50 years and this is the first time she has been asked for money. My mom and her friend both pulled out bills to give. I admonished her to not give money when it's asked for like that. It's not known what they will use it for, or if they even actually need it. But....it's not my money to have any say over. It's my mom's money and how she spends it is her decision. I'm so accustomed to not handing it over that it's my automatic response, in all cases. When I saw the man today, I ran through my charitable contributions in my mind. Am I giving enough? Does the money I give make it to need individuals (rather than administrative costs)? Could I do more? As I handed some cash to the guy on the street corner today, I did so without feeling guilty, and confident that the amount we give is just right for our family. Even with my hours cut in half, plus 10.5 furlough days, we still have a very nice life and don't have to worry about losing our home or the grocery bill. Not everyone can say the same. It's more important than ever that we give to those in need, with nary a thought to what it might be used for. A gift is a gift, and only the receiver gets to decide what it should be used for. A gift is not a gift when it comes with strings. I urge everyone to look around at who is asking for help, and who might need help but anonymously. Sometimes, time is what is need, or is all that can be given. We can all give something.