Give

Give is an action word.  To give to someone requires us to do something – to make an effort.  What is our intention when we give?  Is it to get something in return or make us feel less guilty about something we did or forgot to do?  When we give of our time, how often do we complain (if only a little bit) that there are other things we could be doing?  If the act of giving is not from the goodness of our heart, should we just not perform the act at all?  I know when my intentions are good because I get that feeling of peace and joy when making food for a neighbor, caring for a friend in need, or reaching out to someone that is lonely.  Maybe it’s taking our time to just listen, with patience, to the same story we may have heard before by a friend.  Have you ever experienced a time when you did something for someone else and it was not appreciated?  Just because we give of ourselves doesn’t always mean we’re going to GET thanks.  The true gift is recognizing we did the right thing, regardless of the response.  Maybe we need to be more aware in our acts of giving to discern why we are volunteering for that committee or numerous other “asks” in which we get involved.   I sometimes question, “Am I doing enough?”; but I sometimes forget that giving of myself is also important when it comes to my own family.  We aren’t always called to give of our time and talent so much that it takes us away from something the Holy Spirit may be asking us on which to focus.   That’s where prayer or quiet contemplation can be a good way to discern how Jesus wants you to give of yourself.   Maybe we could use our time to focus this week on listening to the Holy Spirit – that feeling deep inside – to help discern how we are being called to give.  The next time we get that urge to help someone, or a friend comes to mind, it could be God’s way of giving us a little nudge.  Those nudges may not fit in with our plans and come when it’s not convenient.  Let’s choose to not ignore that little whisper and take action!  Maybe, together, we could keep a little note pad close by and jot down a reminder when we get that little nudge from the Holy Spirit.  Review it at the end of the day or week and listen to His promptings to “Just do it!”  It is in our willingness to give, hopefully with good intentions, which also GIVES glory to God.  Let’s not focus on ourselves and our needs, but on someone else’s needs.  What can you do this week to focus on giving of yourself – time, talent or treasure?  I trust that He leads each of us to serve one another, even if it seems as simple as spending quiet time with our Lord and giving our time to Him.

 “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7