The New Word

While in Texas a few weeks ago, my grandson who was traveling with me and I visited a couple of nights with a former casual friend who has become a best friend in many ways.  A word which continuously came up in our conversation was the word generous.  He told us many stories of some freinds who lived with the same spirit of generosity which he and his wife modeled as we were with them.   And since then there have been several others who have spoken the language of generosity by kindness extended in my direction.  Sometimes it feels like a word from the Almighty which is being given to me about being more generous in my own life.    

It might seem at first that generoisty might cost us something, or deprive us of things we might need, or even diminish our own stockpile of stuff, but what it really does is enrich our life.  We may not be able to be generous to the extent of some who bear the markings of the more affluent, but being generous is something we can all do.  It must surely start with being generous in giving things like a smile, or an act of kindness, or offering patience in a world filled with hurry.  Once we allow ourselves to be open to the spirit of generosity in the little things, the bigger things will surely follow.  It  flows out of us into the lives of others in ways that bring blessings to us and those who are touched by the wind of generosity born out of our own spirit.     

There can be no doubt that God is pleased with a generous spirit.  And, neither can there be any doubt that it is His intent for us to be generous in our living.  Constantly the Word of God calls us to care for those around us whose lives are filled with struggles.  We are admonished to give not according to obligation, but according to love.  It is the servant who hears divine words of affirmation for serving can only come from a spirit which does not count self more highly that others.  Generous people make for a better world which means that you and I can make for a better world.