From Gratitude to Generosity
free stock photo
Over the last several weeks the pastor at the church I attend (Twin Lakes in Aptos, California), has focused on the topic of generosity–which seems to be a natural extension of gratitude. The more we give thanks the more we see we have to be thankful for, and hopefully that perspective will lead to a growing spirit of generosity.
He reminded us not to assume that he was talking about money–though certainly being generous with our income (which is actually God’s) is a worthy action. But there are so many ways any one of us can give generously on a daily basis:
A hello
A smile
A ride
A word of kindness
A listening ear
A meal
An invitation to something fun
A visit
and so much more. I’m reminded of that spirit often so evident in children. Recently I attended a community outreach project at a local Christian school where middle grade students had put their feet to the ground as they ministered to various organizations in our community and then reported on them with photos, videos, oral presentations and three-fold posters that displayed their efforts–from feeding the homeless to cleaning up the beach to making surprise gift bags for kids in a cancer ward, to serving homemade cookies to senior citizens in retirement homes, to cleaning up graffiti on public and private buildings–and so much more.
I came home feeling inspired by our youth–our future adults who I hope will carry on this important service when they enter the workforce some day. More than ever our world craves young people who look for a need and then meet it with a generous and loving spirit. Last week they were an example to me and I was inspired.
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
What a wonderful inspiring story! I love to read true real life stories of inspiration and this is one of the best. It is so true that we can lose ourselves when we think of others. We see and hear so many negative things about what our younger generations are doing and then we hear of the wonderful things like you have shared with us today.
Thank you, Karen
Love and blessings to you. Margaret
Thanks, Margaret.
Nice story and glad the kids are active. What bothers me is that so often the kids don’t see any such action or interest by their parents or other adults. Many times adults don’t volunteer for outreach or community project. Gratitude is important. It’s so easy to do. Maybe people take it for granted.
Our church has been on a generosity project in our community all month. It is amazing what we have accomplished in raising funds, awareness, and manual labor on behalf of all kinds of organizations. Our pastor is really on this!
I am SO fortunate to have 5 grand girlies who have all already shown me that they are committed to giving, sharing and healing the less fortunate. What a blessing . My influence and that of their other grandparents and parents is very encouraging as we move forward in life giving and nourishing others less fortunate. I was a single Momma without financial support, have much faith and always meet others with support and love. GOD is good. We are blessed. Let’s all keep on giving and caring ……….it is our quest! We are SO blessed and always giving thanks.
So true, Kathleen. I come from a family of ‘givers,’ as well and my children and grands are carrying on the tradition. My dad, who came straight out of poverty, was the most generous person I’ve ever known.
Wonderful to hear of children giving from their hearts, Karen. Reminds me of the 5-year old who made kites to sell door to door to raise money for a church project. Thanks for the ideas on how we can give, financially and otherwise. Blessings!
Thanks, Carol. Yes, what I shared ties in with what the members of TLC have done all this month, all so inspiring.
Thank you for this wonderful news about the inspiring happening in your church.
A grateful heart leads to generosity. It seems it is a natural outcome. I was delighted to hear what the youth are doing. They will benefit from this in years to come – knowing that we are all Gods People and there are needs to be met.
Thanks, Joan. I completely agree that what the students accomplished will stay with them the rest of their lives.
Community service is an academic requirement in Oregon. I think that’s a great thing. Is it a federal mandate?
What a cool fact to hear.
Fixed name spelling..,
Thanks for doing that. Your name came in with that spelling and I realized it was incorrect.