Wednesday, January 7, 2009

generosity

Last night I visited with a person who has a generous spirit. This is not something that is based on the amount of money that you have, it is based on what is going on in your heart. When we finally love God more than we love "stuff" we begin to find the joy of giving it away.

As a young person, I did not understand this. I thought I was finding joy in acquiring things like TV's cars and the like. As I have grow older, I am learning from other wonderful, generous people, that the real joy in life is found when we are giving and generous.

Having a bad day? Go donate your time to a worthy cause. Go mentor a young person or a neighbor that is in trouble. Make a contribution to the landscape fund at church or some other cause that you love. The joy of generosity will light you up. It is addictive and contagious.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

3 comments:

Lion's Den Man said...

I like the point Rob Bell makes in the NOOMA video "Rich".....
"Let's be honest. It's easy to go to a church service, it's easy to read the Bible, it's easy to discuss who believes what and who's right and who's wrong. It's easy. But when Jesus talks about his followers, he talks about people who are generous, people who clothe the naked, take food to the hungry, take water to the thirsty, people who visit the prisoner, people who invite the stranger in, people who give their time, people who give their energy, people who give their money."

"What can you give? Who are you going to bless?"

Our church is filled with His followers. Look for them. They are easy to spot. They are happy, at peace and content.

Peace, Lion's Den Man

Anonymous said...

Generosity comes in all shapes and sizes. This year I feel that I’ve been on the receiving end more than the giving side. And I have now learned to accept it graciously. While I am still able to make a coat, hat, blanket or provide a homecoming or prom dress for someone, my time given has dwindled. I have struggled more myself these past two years than I have in quite some time and I feel that loss. I’m hoping to improve on that this year.

Tonia

Anonymous said...

Generosity comes in all shapes and sizes. This year I feel that I’ve been on the receiving end more than the giving side. And I have now learned to accept it graciously. While I am still able to make a coat, hat, blanket or provide a homecoming or prom dress for someone, my time given has dwindled. I have struggled more myself these past two years than I have in quite some time and I feel that loss. I’m hoping to improve on that this year.

Tonia