By this time of year most of our mailboxes have received numerous requests for donations that test us to see how generous we are. Many churches and communities plan events which benefit the less fortunate among us. The success of the events often depends on volunteers. There are organizations which have a major push this time of year to provide items for children, the homeless, and the hungry.
With so many worthy organizations and charities to support, the decision of who to support or who not to support with our time, talent, and resources can be extremely difficult. So many needs. So few funds.
Perhaps, like me, you have charities and programs which are dear to your heart. Maybe you are generous with your time and volunteer with these organizations throughout the year.
Maybe you send financial donations and gifts even when it isn’t the Christmas season. Especially when it isn’t, because you know funds and donations dry up in the summer.
This Christmas is an unusual one for the folks here in the Houston, Texas area due to the devastation we experienced during the epic flooding of Hurricane Harvey. If our homes or jobs weren’t negatively impacted, we know someone whose home or job was. And although Harvey hit in August, many have not recovered. In fact, most have not.
One thing which stood out to me during the hurricane was how people sacrificed their time and money to help those in need. Business owners and everyman. Neighbors and strangers. Churches and mosques. Everyone pitched in. Everyone was generous. Everyone felt the pain of others. The people didn’t wait to receive a plea from a charity to respond. We responded. It didn’t matter the zip code or the color or the religion … the people responded.
As we approach a season where generous giving is at the front of our minds, we make decisions on how we will spend our time, talent, and resources.
Perhaps we realize our one gift will not end hunger and homelessness. We might even wonder if our contribution really matters.
Instead of looking at our little, maybe we should prayerfully consider what we are able to give, be generous with what God gives us, place it in Jesus’ hands, and let him multiple as only he can.
[bctt tweet=”How Generous Are We?” username=”inspireafire”]
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
I wish you well.
Sandy
