Being Generous…

Well, Christmas week is here.  I know most of us are trying to make all our last-minute preparations, some of us are just trying to get through this week, and I’m sure some of us don’t even realize it’s already here.

I have had to retrain my thoughts this year towards the holidays.  For years I have struggled to even want to participate in the different holiday gatherings due to my own struggles with things that have happened in the past.  I wrote about that last month for Thanksgiving.  I am really trying to break that terrible mindset lately.  I have chosen to focus on being generous.  I know that isn’t anything groundbreaking, but it has helped me so much.

There are many ways to be generous.  Obviously, generosity can be shown by giving items or money freely, but there are other ways too.   While I have given bigger tips to waitstaff and purchased gifts for others, that’s not what I have been focusing on.  I have been focusing on being generous with my time and my energy.  I have been intentional with others around me trying to build them up.  I have tried to be the light in the darkness even when it is not the popular opinion.  I have been doing my best to follow my heart and do things I would normally never do as long as it is positive. 

I have learned that people respond to being genuine and caring more than giving them money or things.  Stuff is great, but stuff is the easy route to take in the land of generosity.  I have been inspired by men in my circle who have started their own ministries and followed through with them, even on a small scale.  They have simply acted on a vision or message and achieved something most people will never achieve due to apathy.  They became a servant just as Jesus teaches us to do throughout the bible.

I am still learning how to truly be the man the bible teaches us we should be.  It is a hard road to take.  One filled with lots of uncomfortable decisions, sacrifice, and responsibility.  I used to think it was good enough just do no do the bad things, I completely missed the fact that doing good for others is an integral part in being a good man.

This week, focus on being generous with your time, and your energy.  Shift the focus from material things to things that truly matter, the hearts of others around you.  Focus on them and build them up into something bigger and better than they even believe for themselves. 

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” - Ephesians 4: 31-32 NLT