I was stuck in O’Hare airport. My flight had just been canceled and I was given an overnight stay plus a food voucher. But… I had already rushed dinner before my original wheels up time. So, what to do with the $25 food voucher? Cheesecake? Of course. There before my eyes was a cheesecake stand, “Eli’s”. But $25 worth of cheesecake? How in the world was I to eat that much? I learned earlier that once the voucher is redeemed at any vendor the remaining balance is lost. So, $25 of cheesecake or leave money on the table?
I don’t leave money on the table! Already committed to this vendor, I had to figure out what to do. I ordered one piece and tried to figure out how else to spend the money. Beside me was a young lady also looking over the selections. So I initiated the conversation, “Would you like a piece of cheesecake?” Her response was not surprising, “I can pay for my own.” I guess it did appear a bit odd to offer to buy her cheesecake. “I’m sure you can” I replied, “but I have a voucher and if I leave money unspent it is lost.” The vendor jumped in supporting my offer, “That is true!” she added.
The young lady then took me up on my offer, ordered her cheesecake and left. But… I still had at least 2 pieces of cheesecake funds remaining. I ordered one piece and then selected another. (What in the world was I going to be doing eating 2 pieces of cheesecake?)
Suddenly another lady appeared beside me and she was with the young gal who earlier received a piece of my cheesecake. She had obviously heard that there was a man at the counter who had too much money to spend and she was there to help!! “Would you like a piece of cheesecake?” I asked? “Yes” she replied. “Well I’ve ordered these two with the rest of the funds. I like them both and I’d be happy if you would pick from the two your favorite.” So she did… and took my pick of the two 🙂
Generosity is always catalyzing. Whether we are generous with cheesecake or our time or care, generosity always alters the lives to whom we are giving and stirs a moment of movement. I’ve laughed for years about the cheesecake story. And I’ve sat in awe of living a moment when being generous to one person stirred that person to tell another. Generosity is a powerful experience, both for those looking for cheesecake and for those giving it! Here’s for more generosity!!