Reflections on giving

At year end there is the usual reflections on the year just past and hope projected to the year upcoming. It has become tradition to lament the failures of the year and try to recall some successes, too. I feel some reflection must also go to what we have given.

In looking back over this past year what are some of the way points or milestones that have marked out our year? For me, a stand out accomplishment in giving has been watching my son finish out his senior year in high school, graduating, and commencing his university experience. My giving of time, money, and effort contributed significantly to his success. He is fruit of my labors, my giving into his life.

Another example of my giving bearing fruit this year is celebrating 20 years of marriage with my wife and best friend, Alicia.

Another example of my giving has been the precious opportunities to speak into the life of my local church as a guest speaker sharing a word from God.

Our giving is more than just the dollars put in an offering plate or a donation box; although those are good. Our best giving usually involves our time spent investing in others’ lives; doing for them directly or doing something that will effect them positively over time.

Jesus said it is better to give than receive, and he is right. In receiving you have a need you cannot meet. In giving you are aiding others out of the abundance you have. And selfishly, the blessing received in blessing another in need is indescribeable. It is as if God says “I saw that. Here.” And you get hit with such euphoria, a sense of well-being. It happens.

For too many people year end is a rehash of the year’s failures, of the things that have gone wrong, of relationships that did not happen or broke. For others it is counting the year as loss and turning to a hopeful future.

A life focused on failure and loss rarely sees anything else. A life that acknowlwdges failure and pursues success anyway is firmly founded in hope.

Giving is just like that. Giving without expectation of a positive result (hope) is just throwing the gift away. Giving with an expectation of a positive result is investing. Your gifts of time, money, and effort are valuable; emmencely so. Invest them wisely and well.

Looking to a new year, think on where you can invest your time, money, and effort. Your church? Your neighborhood? Your community or city? Larger than that? Your time is important, is valuable. Your assets are yours to manage. Look where you could invest just 10% of your time and assets. Look for opportunities that invest in others’ lives. Look for where you can give.

Jesus said if you give it will be given back to you; pressed down, over flowing will men give back to you. Try it. See what happens. Worse case scenario is you just may have fewer negative things upon wbich to reflect at your next year end, and more things upon which you can praise.