But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
2 Corinthians 8:7-9,12-16 (NIV)
The emphasis in the above verses is mine. I have been reading and rereading these words since August and I was thrilled back then when I found these verses. They were just like water to quench my thirst. My desire to give is great it is just the direction the generosity takes that shifts.
When I first stumbled upon them, these words spoke to me as to what I want to do with my life - other than Mommy - I feel there is another purpose for me that has not yet become. One where I can use my deep feelings of giving and compassion on a daily basis, perhaps starting up a not for profit, for now my focus is my young children and if I still have a blog in the future we all may see how this plays out.
Now that this Christmas season is upon us I've decided to use my desire to give to those who are truly needy. Basically, I'm giving things that I would want to get which this year are not necessarily tangibles. Yeah, I'd love a new dishwasher, some really nice gloves for gardening and maybe a couple fruit trees for the backyard. But really, truly I LOVE giving and feel awkward receiving.
My husband on several Christmases has lavished me with gifts and while I do adore that he does this for me, honestly it makes me feel weird sitting there opening up gifts. It's just one of those uncomfortable moments all eyes watching and then at the end of it all a feeling of emptiness that lasts through a massive Christmas feast that would feed an entire village elsewhere in the world.
He does know this about me now, he asked before our wedding if I wanted a $5,000 ring or to go on a honeymoon for 10 days to Jamaica - ah, yeah I'd wear a bottle cap on my finger every day to go back to the warm water scuba diving fruit loving beautiful Jamaican people. But I've gotten off point slightly.
This Christmas season, I'm choosing NOT to get stressed out about the stuff and hoping that my plenty can provide for anothers need. How do you keep yourself charged and at peace this season? Care to share, leave me a comment or link up if you post.
4 comments:
Thanks so much for stopping by. I couldn't agree more with you about the awkwardness of opening gifts when you know there are so many in need. I had to come to peace with that over the last couple years, but have now reached the same conclusion that you have. We keep reaching out, in hopes that our "plenty" will reach those with not enough.
I like your observations. In our family the giving is just a small part of our celebration and we work hard to keep it that way. I too am a giver and love sharing and enjoying everyone's reactions. I've learned to be a receiver now that our kids are grown and shower me with goodness. In both of our extended families we pick a charity and make that a big part of the giving. And we share what we can with several other projects like the local women's shelter and Operation Christmas Child. And we cover each day with prayer that God will show us how to serve Him.
Thank you for visiting my blog. It was nice to meet you :))
It is so much easier to give than to receive. Our church has been asking for grocery shop vouchers for all of November, so that families in need can buy the food they may not be able to afford. Even a small amount can make a huge difference. I am also taking some of the blankets my mother loves crocheting to the Homeless shelter too. I just wish I could do more. But giving time is to me the essence. And having eyes open to be aware of need too.
Yes- i feel the same way. I find myself feeling more calm and peaceful than ever this time of year. Realizing what is really important...
Steph
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