Giving charity is often a challenge for the ordinary person. Many people feel that its a waste of resources like the throwing of bread into the sea as illustrated by Koheles 11:1. However, the verse reasures us that its never a waste "for you shall find it after many days". In Avos DeRov Nosson 3:9, a most fascinating account is being brought forth as follows: "There was once a "Chassid" (rightous man) that was accustomed to giving charity. He once travelled by ship that encountered a wind that sank the ship.Rabbi Akiva saw this happen and came before the court in order to testify that this "chassids" wife may thereby be able to remarry. However, before Rabbi Akiva was to testify this "Chassid" appeared. They asked him how he was rescued. He responded by saying that charity had saved him from drowning. They further questioned him by asking him as to how he can confirm this. The "chassid' said that as he was cast into the sea he over heard the waves say, "Lets us save this man and bring him to dry land for he was charitable.........................................."(Please refer to Avos DeRov Nosson for further details)(end of quote) Man is generally very short sighted and does not fully realize the consequenses of his actions. Every good deed has an impact, nothing is wasted. This "Chassid" surely did good for no other reason but to serve Hashem without any ulterior motives as suggested by Avos Derov Nosson refering to him as a "Chassid" which is a very powerfull title. Yet his life was saved..........................Charity is an opportunity given to us by Hashem as a means to save ourselves not only from physical peril (CHAS VESHALOM), but also to save our spirituality from peril. Give of yourself and leave behind selfishness................ Have a good Shabbos.....................................................