I’ve been thinking a lot lately about giving. When most people think of giving, their mind might automatically go towards monetary giving, but I would like to submit for your consideration today that giving can happen in a myriad of ways and throughout the year. I would say that I am a giver. I actually love giving to others (although deep down I won’t admit it for fear that people will take advantage of me) and especially love giving when there isn’t an expectation of the person being able to pay me back. My giving becomes unhealthy when I continuously give of myself until the point I am depleted or when I feel that no one thinks about me. It’s a double edge sword because I love to give, but once in a while I would also love for someone else to consider me and think about me.
My mindset of giving hasn’t always been this way. The first time I noticed that I love to give was in church and it didn’t come all at one time, it actually came over the course of many years and I think its birthed out of my desire to give to others what I didn’t have or receive. Beware, this is a sticky place to be in as you will find yourself giving so much of yourself.
I remember one year for Christmas in high school after work I decided to go across the street to the dollar tree and buy my family gifts for Christmas. Obviously, I’m going to the dollar store so that meant that the gifts weren’t going to be expensive. I brought my oldest sister an astray as she didn’t have one and was a smoker back then, my second oldest sister a pair of shears as she is a hairstylist and didn’t have one and my third sister a caboodle kit to store all her things. I remember giving them the gifts I bought with pride because I knew I filled a need but also, I gave from my heart. I guess this is how I want all giving to be, to fill a need and come from the heart. I don’t look a gift horse in the mouth but sometimes I don’t like when someone gets me what they want me to have rather than what I would honestly need.
As I mentioned, giving doesn’t have to always be monetary. Is there an elderly person in your neighborhood who you can cut their grass or shovel their snow? Perhaps there is a child struggling in Math and you can loan a couple hours in the week to tutor an assist for free? Do you have a couple hours to spare a month volunteering somewhere? Or what about paying for or buying someone else a cup of coffee when you buy yours? Small actions can have a huge impact on someone’s life. You might not be able to help everyone, but you can help someone. During months when it’s cold outside how about taking a hat, gloves, socks and long sleeve shirt to a person that doesn’t have a home. Or on a hot day purchase a case of water and hand them out. Sometimes we have to be intentional with our giving and find ways to give.
However, you can give, I’m sure it will make someone’s day! Just a final thought when it comes to giving: KEEP THE CAMERAS OUT! Don’t show off that you are helping someone less fortunate, but you can encourage others to do the same through sharing your story. It really depends on the heart posture, if you give from an authentic place, you will inspire others to give as well.
