Be Creative, and Joyful, in Your Giving

Every now and then, someone walking through downtown will ask if I have any change I can spare. I never have change. I love to give though, I just don’t have cash – not even pennies. 

Every month, I set aside a little bit of money to give to a good cause. I pray about it and I usually find somewhere interesting to donate. It’s not much, but it is something I enjoy and it is not about me. Heck, I even write this blog with a pen name, just in case someone thinks it’s about me.

We are fed by feeding. If there is one statement I believe is consistently true, it is this. The most important thing is to give from the heart. As I mentioned in the example with Cain, if you give with anything other than love, it is impure. The parables teach us that we are to be good stewards with our blessings. I believe this means investing in the lives of others.

A lot of people think they just don’t have anything to give. They are wrong, of course. Try to rise above the lack mentality and you will see that you have something to share. Maybe you are scraping by check to check or maybe you just don’t know where to find a place that does good work. If you want to give and sincerely pray for an opportunity, one will come to you. Here’s a few suggestions to get started on a path of cheerful giving.

Read the news – there is always an event or cause in the community. Maybe it is a fundraiser, a shelter, a benefit for a disease. Maybe there is a local theatre trying to survive. Pay attention to the world around you and you will find something in your community that appeals to you.

Get involved – Maybe you don’t have a lot of extra money, but you can give your time, your talents, your service. The important thing is to do whatever you do from the heart.

Put yourself aside – Giving is not about getting your picture in the paper with a big giant check. It’s not about getting a “thank you” or stroking your ego. Giving is fun if you take joy in finding creative ways to give. You will be rewarded, but the reward cannot be the motive. Learn to love the act of giving.

Pray – Sincere prayer about your community will open many doors to serving others. Don’t do anything in life without prayer. Let God lead you and you will be amazed at the people he puts in your path. Help them where you can.