Gary Waddingham, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Billings, Montana, tells this story:

Several years ago, when I was ministering in a small rural community, we had extra food left over from our Christmas basket. I happened to think of a poor family who lived at the edge of town. I packed up the food and drove to their house.

I am never sure how one goes about "doing charity" while preserving the dignity of those who receive the charity. When the woman, surrounded by her several children, answered the door, I thought of a subtle way to offer the food to her.

I asked, "Do you know anyone who could use some extra food?"

"You bet," she said and got her coat, headed toward her car saying, "Follow me."

She took me to people who were poorer than she, people who desperately needed food. Even though she herself needed food, I remember clearly that there was absolutely no hesitation on her part.

For some people, giving is second nature.