In the heart of our bustling street, a beggar arrives daily. He is a constant presence, and every few minutes, his voice resonates throughout the entire neighborhood, echoing a poignant question:
“Why do you delay my turn?”
His voice pierced through my patience, rattling the core of my being. It was a call to action, a plea that could no longer be ignored. One day, my reservoir of patience overflowed, and I sprinted to confront the beggar, determined to unearth the mystery behind his persistent cry.
The Beggar’s Lament
“What are you doing, sir?” I inquired, my voice tainted with irritation.
“I’m asking, sir,” he replied calmly.
“What do you mean by this incessant noise?” I retorted, my impatience evident.
“I’m begging, I’m requesting,” he uttered with unwavering composure.
“Is this how you beg?” I scoffed, my frustration mounting.
“I ask, I beg,” he said. “Isn’t that how it’s done? Fool! Learn to ask first. Whoever asks, give willingly, whether quickly or slowly. The giver’s discretion is the beggar’s respect.”
With these words, he posed a profound reflection on the act of giving, dismantling my hasty judgments.
The Essence of Giving
The beggar continued, “I beg, I request, I plead. The one who gives, whether promptly or tardily, generously or sparingly, holds the authority. They may give or withhold as they wish. They may choose to respect or denigrate the recipient. ‘Why do you delay my turn?’ is the wish of a naive giver, whether they give swiftly or with delay, less or more. They may give or withhold.”
His wisdom cut through the layers of my prejudice, revealing a perspective I had never considered.
Lessons in Empathy
I asked, “Why do you persist with this particular question, my friend?”
The beggar responded gently, “I persist, sir, because I do not interfere in others’ affairs. The giver and the recipient are like uncles in our dealings. I have echoed this plea throughout my life. He has never rebuked me, never expressed anger. Instead, he continues to give, tirelessly.”
Conclusion: A New Perspective on Giving
As I walked away from this encounter, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beggar’s profound wisdom. His words were a testament to the power of empathy and the importance of understanding the perspectives of others.
In a world where haste often leads us to judge without empathy, the beggar’s simple yet profound message serves as a reminder that the act of giving is not just about the gift itself but also about the respect and dignity we afford to those in need.