They are not always in the center of frame or at the center of our attention. But they are there.

Everyday there are people around us who set their ego aside and–for whatever reason–ask for something from us. They might ask for our money. They might ask for our time, or our attention. They ask for our love.

How should we respond?

With anger? Sarcasm? Derision? Self-righteousness? Pity? Empathy?

Should we ignore them? Should we laugh and throw quarters?

Or, should we give? Not because the person who asks deserves it, but because that’s who we are. We are the kind of people who freely give.

We could give our attention, or a smile. We could give some money. Maybe we give a second chance, or just a quick and silent blessing.

But we choose to give. Freely and without expectation of payback.

We give to our kids, to our parents, to our siblings, to our partners, to our friends, to our coworkers, to our community, to people in need.

Not because they always deserve it, but because that is who we are.