“IF”–You Give Everything But Do Not Have Love

Ever heard the phrase, “attitude is everything”? It is generally used in situations where you are being inspired to do better – sporting event, scholastically, etc. Regardless, there is a lot of truth and depth to the phrase. There are tasks that I enjoy doing, but I have to be in the right frame of mind to do it because it is all about attitude.

When it comes to giving – money or yourself – that phrase also holds true. What is your attitude toward giving? Are you protective-conservative, protective-generous, or just generous?

Sunday, we looked at the last part of this series that dealt with giving all you have – possessions or yourself – but not giving it in love. One that gives, but in a showy or attention-seeking manner, gives without exhibiting love. Here are some applications to choose from to use this week…

• Why Give? ~ People have been made to feel guilty to give. Some feel cornered and there is no way out. Some prepare to set aside so much money to give to people/causes. There are so many worthy causes to give to in this world. Someone, some thing, somewhere need you – whether it is your money or your time/talents. May we take the time to think about why we’re giving. May the reason be as pure and caring toward the cause (not toward you) as possible.
• Give More ~ Just when it seems that there is nothing else to give, if you dig deep enough you will find that there is. The “extra” may not be in monetary value, but it would be measured in your time or talents. Look for ways to give a little extra to something else you feel passionate about.

Doing things out of guilt or obligation are not the means to be able to show love. Giving out of love is the only way to show love. It may sound simple but keep in mind attitude is everything!

Better to Give than to Receive

It is not a secret that one of the reasons I enjoy the Christmas season is to receive gifts from people. However, from an early age, I heard the phrase “It is better to give than to receive. Hmmph!” “I don’t think so” would have been my typical response. I wanted any gifts for me! 

Though I didn’t enjoy that phrase, there still is truth to it. As much as I enjoy opening gifts, I enjoy buying and giving gifts to others, especially my immediate family. I enjoy watching my wife and kids open up the presents that I bought for them.

With the season and spirit of giving upon us, here is this week’s quote…

Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'.  ~ Bing Crosby

The things we have to give are not always about presents. You can share your smile, a hug, a compliment, a batch of baked goods, a note of encouragement, a long needed visit, a good attitude, extra change, and the list could go on.

Help make someone’s Christmas a “white” Christmas this year by sharing the blessings that God has given you, with others!

Receiving More than You Give

 When you're a kid and you are fed with the line "it is better to give than to receive" it may make you roll your eyes or something like that.  At that stage in your life you tend to want things and that is all you care about...What's in it for me?  I remember not being too willing to help out or go with my mom to the nursing home to visit a lady.  Those weren't fun, they didn't make a difference in my day or life.  

However, something changed when I got a little bit older.  Thinking back, as I write this, one of the memorable times was having a "little brother" through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.  I was a freshman in college and I don't know what prompted me to do it.  Sometimes it was difficult finding 3 hours a week to spend with him.  However, most of the time we spent together was very enjoyable and definitely rewarding.  That brings us to this week's quote...

Love and kindness are never wasted.  They always make a difference.  They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.  ~ Barbara De Angelis

One particular moment I remember with my "little brother" was when I had taken him to a college football game I was working as a student trainer.  It was probably one of the rainiest nights I had ever been in where I had to be outside.  As the football field slopes, the sidelines had, literally, ankle deep water.  Plus, it was a natural field, so there was a lot of mud.  My "little brother" lived outside the city limits and I had not been to his house (I picked him up in town).  So, being nervous about getting stuck, I wondered if he could stay in my dorm room for the night.  All permissions were granted and he had his first experience of college life as an eleven-year old!

Maybe you've had numerous opportunities to give of yourself (time, money, etc.) where you've finished the experience feeling like you received more than the receiver received.  That is the beauty of doing things like that.  From a religious perspective, serving God is much the same way.  You give to Him and what you get is sometimes exponentially more than what you gave.

Keep giving and cashing in on the experiences!




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E-mail Encouragement: Giving of Self

When we give of self we tend to get something back. Volunteering usually results in a "good feeling" of purpose. Whether it is volunteering or just giving of ourselves in another way, the product tends to be something good. This week's quote reflects that thought...

"Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind."

Who will you give of your self today? Try to accomplish this by giving to someone outside your household/family. See what happens.

Let me know if your life was affected by this...

Blessings ~