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Good morning. A couple of weeks back I was in the car with two of my children and we picked up a take away. As we were about to start eating I noticed a man sitting on the pavement asking people for money. We looked at what we had and gave him some of our food. Grabbing at what I saw as a moment to teach something, I talked about how we should always give the food we would also want, not just leftovers and how it’s good to find ways to help people without others being around to see. I reminded that Prophet Muhammad said give with one hand so your other hand doesn’t know what you are giving. And then I spoke about intentions, how God knows all and we need to keep our intentions in check. Seizing her moment my 14 year old then asked me if I actually keep my intentions clear 100% of the time. After being asked the question numerous times I of course had to admit that no, I don’t and that yes, I am also a work in progress. She carried on eating her burger, satisfied and just a bit smug at her efforts. Intentions are important. In the Qur’an we’re taught that God is closer to us than our jugular vein and that He knows and sees it all. It reminds me that I can fake it as much as I like to others, but not to God. In an age of social media, I think it is hard to navigate this. If we are working in local communities or we are doing charity work, how do we show what we are doing without it being for show? How do we tug at heart strings to get people to donate, while also remaining sincere and authentic. It can feel overwhelming, so many families need our help. I just have to ask myself what I can do, how can I help and then, importantly, WHY I want to help. In the Qur’an it says if we save a life it is as though we save the whole of humanity. I find that reassuring and for me it is a reminder not to be overwhelmed, that there is only so much I can do and that God is aware. Keeping intentions sincere is not always easy, it needs inner work, I must constantly ask myself the important questions, remind myself why I am doing something when things get tough perhaps, or when my ego gets pricked. Rest assured, the teenagers in our lives will keep us on our toes. Taking their teachable moments when they see them. They really can be the best teachers we will ever have.