Giving.
December 23rd, 2009
I’m twenty-seven and I’m now fully realizing that this holiday is about giving and love and family and friends and joy. It’s not supposed to be commercial. We’re not supposed to be greedy.
When we went to a family’s home today and gave them food they needed, it felt really good. I was hugged and kissed and tears were shed. I had to stop myself from crying. It touched me.
I’m blessed in so many ways and have more than I need. Giving back is good to do.
I remember when I went to one of Rich Schmidt’s services and listened to him speak, and the thing that stuck with me that day was the tiny mention of tithing. We live in a society of excess. A lot of us have so much more than we actually need, and like good little consumers, we want more. I’ve fallen victim to that mentality, I’ll admit. I’m not perfect, but I do want to strive to be better.
Putting aside money from your paycheck, even if it’s just a little bit, and giving it to your community, whether it be a shelter or some non-profit or even your church… imagine if everyone did that.
I’m a holiday giver. A Christmas giver. Call it what you will. I need to be better at giving year round, at helping my community become a better place. I made small steps this year at giving during other times, but I want to be better. There is always room to improve yourself as a person. I really need to look at volunteering, though I feel a little lost about it. It’s hard for me to do something by myself.
I need a group. It would help.
I was talking to my cousin OJ about tithing the other day. He says that he gives some to the church, but he also donates money also. I think that it is a great idea to share if you are able too. I think people have to realize that it isn’t just giving at church and such. Do some good.
Good luck Nichole,
I hope your holidays bring you much needed happiness.
I’m always here to listen to the thoughts that trouble your heart.
Don’t ever be afraid to come and talk to me.
Your long lost friend,
Chris
Its just so warming to read things like this. It might silly to some but I donated to wikipedia today. It felt good to give to what I felt is a great cause… free information for all, from all.
Have a really great christmas :)
catch you on the twipside
I just found this post today, Nichole. Did you know you wrote it on my birthday? :)
I loved having you visit Living Hope. In many ways, church functions as that “group” you mentioned, where we can be open with each other about areas in which we need to grow, and find encouragement and support to keep moving in a positive direction.
This reminds me of one of my favorite verses from the Bible, found in Hebrews 10:24-25 — “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” http://read.ly/Heb10.24.NIV
I know that I need the encouragement (and the spurs!) of other people to keep on loving and doing good. We were never meant to go it alone.
I think it’s really cool how I wrote that post on your birthday and didn’t even know it!
I echo what Rich said, but if that’s not where you’re at, there’s a group that really has a heart for public service and it’s doing something in the community every month. It’s called Project Valpo. Ping me (or just come over to my desk) and I’ll give you the details.
Love you & your heart for your community.
Happy New Year!
What’s Project Valpo? If Google doesn’t find me an answer, I’ll be sending you a note on Twitter…
.-= Rich Schmidt´s last blog ..It’s nice to know you’re making a difference =-.
I appreciate your openess on this site, and commend your search for things that are more important than selfishness or greed.
Rich is a good teacher/mentor
.-= daltonsbriefs´s last blog ..Agent Genius – Google Mortgage Page Thoughts =-.