The Giving Quotient

THE GIVING QUOTIENT

Some people think of giving only in terms of money. But it’s so much more than that.

Consider these words by Fred Rogers (of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood):  . . .Some people have many blessings and hoard them. Some have few and give everything away.

Share from a Happy Heart

I knew a family generous in spirit, in spite of personal lack. Needy neighbors would come for a handout and the mom would always respond.

One time when she was gone, someone came and asked for food. The daughter simply said, “Sorry, we can’t help you,” and closed the door.

Returning home, the mom was appalled. “Didn’t you even check the refrigerator or the cupboards?” The girl said, “Mom, our cupboards are bare!”

“No,” the mom replied, “there’s always something we can give.” She looked around and produced a few items to prove her point.

But giving is not limited to money or food.

Consider this thought by movie producer, Vince Allen: I have learned the true value of kindness and persistence in everything I do . . . Some people may not be deserving of this kindness, but at the end of the day, we have to realize that we are all equal.

Did you ever stop to think that you can give a good attitude? Sometimes a smile or simple kindness can really brighten someone’s day.

I read this thought in my Daily Bread devotional: “You don’t have to feed the five thousand. You just have to bring your loaves and fishes.”

Which Face Is You?

It’s based on the story of a little boy who tagged along with a crowd to see Jesus. When Jesus asked if there was any food, the little boy gave his five loaves and two fish. All four gospels, (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) record the miracle of Jesus multiplying these few items to feed an enormous crowd.

Wise King Solomon said: The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped (Proverbs 11: 24-25, The Message). 

Giving quotient results are always up to you.

Ring Those Bells

RING THOSE BELLS

It’s December and I’m hearing bells. Are you? Some of them are ringing in front of my favorite stores. They’re not loud. Just a soft reminder to be aware of others needs while I meet my own.

I heard another bell today. My husband and I have a friend who opened a thrift store to raise funds for charitable works.

A bells rings briefly each time someone enters the store. To me it was another soft and satisfying sound. I enjoyed seeing the looks on faces when told the entire store was having a half-price sale. Most of them were as surprised as I was.

Bargains for a Cause

Once a month, our friend hosts a Meet the Author day. When invited to choose a December date, I unknowingly chose the last day of a week-long sale. Everything was half price. I was delighted to find nearly a dozen books by my favorite fiction author. At twenty-five cents a book I couldn’t go wrong, no matter how long it takes me to read them.

From the author’s table I always looked up when I heard the bell ring. I enjoy people-watching, but it was fun to talk with them, too.

One lady who spent the most time shopping was laughing as she said, “I’ll have to take these into the house a few at a time. My husband will think I spent a lot of money.” A man standing nearby said, “Just tell him you bought something for him. He’ll be OK.”

No Seasonal Limit 

The bell rings on the door of this store all year long. Charitable works are always in progress and a spirit of peace and love prevails.

Our friend considers all of her hard work an act of faith. When I observed her commitment in action today I thought of James 2:17. That verse reminds us that faith is good, but we show our faith by our actions.

Another verse rings a bell with me. 1 John 3:18 says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” Saying we love is easy. Showing it is not. It generally means expending energy and moving out of our comfort zone to help someone.

Bells at Christmas remind us to put faith and love into action. Why not try to ring those bells all year long?