Being wealthy is not about the Benjamins

A young man named Timothy back in Bible times instructs those who are “rich in this present world” to “be generous and ready to share….” A couple of family members were recently the recipients of some unique generosity.

Our son-in-law — a police officer in Deadhorse, Alaska, famous for its Prudhoe Bay oil field — had a little detective work to do when an expensive abandoned bicycle, including saddle bags, was found at the hotel across the street from the airport. Turns out the middle-aged rider from California had ridden the bike from the Lower 48 all the way to Deadhorse, 250 miles above the Arctic Circle. And flown home without it.

When tracked down, the man asked our son-in-law if he wanted it. He was not allowed to accept a gift. However he could buy it and offered what he could afford, which was below the bike’s value. He took it apart, boxed it up, and shipped it home to Spokane Valley to enjoy on his time off.

Our daughter who lives in Alaska took her son halibut fishing out of Homer last weekend for his eleventh birthday. They were allowed two fish each — a smaller one about ten pounds, and another as big as they could catch. Their larger ones weighed in around 25 pounds.

As it happened a Chinese couple aboard the charter also caught their limit, the tiny wife reeling in a big 60-pounder. They told our daughter they were just out for the experience — and proceeded to give her all their fish! A huge bonus for her family of seven. And unheard of event — a halibut give-away.

There are as many ways to be generous as there are needs. Or wants. And a person does not have to be “rich in this present world” to be a giver. My 8-year-old grandson visiting this summer heard his cousin call eating in grandma’s kitchen like “being in a free restaurant” — made to order. He said to me, “Then I’m tipping you.” He climbed to the loft for his wallet — and though I turned down his original offer of $20 — I did accept two bucks. Which I don’t ever plan on spending.

He possessed a little boy’s generous heart. And I can only hope his willingness to share freely will grow with him to manhood. Because being rich is not about the Benjamins.