Today's mail will bring an onslaught of requests from groups, and charities of every shape, kind, and region. This happens each and every day, and is augmented by telephone and internet requests as well. There are now questions as to whether a charity is legitimate or worthy of our time and resources. That is quite a dilemma, to be sure.

When we give (and it does not have to be monetary only), we give a portion of ourselves. In a wondrous kind of way, that part that we gave away comes back in its full glory, and we are never less than a whole person. As to whether a charity is all they say they are - the decision is ours to make. We most assuredly should check out references or get further information on any group that asks for our assistance. In life, a charity may have all the attributes of being fair and right, but a few workers may not have the highest standards or motives. These types of problems are inevitable in a world where the energy of greed and "me first" have taken over common sense and love.

The question arises as to how we should feel if our donation of time, resources, or money, have been taken by greedy hands and improper staff. The way I see it, I gave from my heart and my wholeness. If that donation goes awry, then I still am whole and intact, and what I gave away has now become the burden or glory of those to whom it was directed. In other words, I gave from a "right" attitude and if it fell on "wrong" turf, then it does not diminish my "right" giving. You see, the energy force we call life is only concerned with our motives and intentions. If we are okay, then our donation is fine. Those who have accepted it now are at risk of demeaning what they stand for, who they represent, and of having to account to those who were to receive and did not. My job is done, my gift is still bright and beautifully wrapped. It will not diminish in what it contains or what it stands for. That has been recorded in the almanac of the world, and cannot be erased, eroded, or even white-out won't work. I did what I felt was the right thing to do, and how others take the ball and run with it is between them and their maker.

If I decide to give, and to whom I decide to give - well, it is all right in my world. If we were to worry that some employee or CEO somewhere is going to benefit from my hard-earned donation, then people who really are in need would never receive the assistance they rightfully deserve, and the poor would be swept to the side of self-righteousness. Intention carries with it a message of love, and whether or not it reaches its destination that love empowers the world to greatness and care. You are contributing to the "good" and so you shall always be in the right. Don't worry about how and where every penny, every piece of clothing, or every minute is spent. You placed it in the hands of the goodness of the human race, and by all rights, it will be made right - now or in the future. If it should fall into the wrong hands, then it was intended to teach a lesson, or tear a heart apart. It could have been meant to stop some- one who was bent on greed and corruption and it was your gift that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Either way, rest assured that your "donation" is right where it should be - in the heart of the one who sees and knows all things and is the only one we will have to answer to.

Enjoy.

©January, 2007