In this time of economic recession, belt tightening and hunkering down are you still inclined to share with those less fortunate. Has the current economy left you feeling less than generous? We have been considering our spending habits and what the future may hold as has probably everyone on the planet.
In my twenties I was always "broke" and thankful for friends that invited us to dinner. I knew of an acquaintance, an able bodied man that on weekends would go to small towns and pretend that he was deaf and mute with the proverbial cup in hand. This appalled me greatly and left me feeling cynical about those "in need". As I came to listen to the still, small voice I was prompted to be more generous. Sometimes the voice of contention would rise up and say things like "you cannot give your money away...you have bills to pay" I discovered that the more tightly you hold onto things, the greater the loss. When you expand and "tithe" your life becomes more abundant. Tithing is often thought of as the one tenth of your income that you donate to the church you attend. I recently participated in an e-seminar that offered a slightly altered twist to the original concept...give generously to whom you will...whatever feels right, make a donation, lend a hand. As I was contemplating this idea many opportunities for "tithing" arose. How often have you felt prompted by that inner voice to give someone $1, $5 or whatever. I struggle to overcome the cynicism in my mind that says, "that person probably has more money than I do or why don't they just get a job" During our dinner conversation my husband said to me, "I just don't know what came over me today" and he related the following story. He was in the checkout line at the grocery store (he was shopping for his parents) and the woman in front of him was counting out coins for a bag of flour and a gallon of milk and it looked like she was going to be "short"...my husband told the checkout lady to add it to his bill. Additionally, he gave the "flour" lady $20 whereby she gave him a great big hug! As tears welled in my own eyes, I said, "Honey, you KNOW what it was that came over you"
Charity Never Faileth...this is the motto used by The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From my personal experience and from those around me I know that this is a true concept.
So in this time of belt tightening and being cautious...let us not forget the tired, the poor, the hungry...donate your time, talents and some $$$ We each are "our brother's keeper"
