MORE THAN REQUIRED

When did you last experience incredible generosity?

I am hoping with all my heart that you had little to no trouble answering the question. In fact, I am hoping that you must focus on just one to think about. So now for the second question, when was the last time you were incredible generous with someone not part of your inner circle? Generous is defined as a readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary or required.

Let’s be clear, generosity is larger than cash and stuff. One can be generous with forgiving others, kindness, caring, helping, time and giving praise. The Dalai Lama says, “Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.” The quantity of material possession and/or cash flow ought not to be an impediment to generosity. Here is why – everyone has something to give that goes above and beyond.

Revisit your answered questions.

I was sick. They called and wanted to bring dinner. My husband was not sick and is more than capable of making dinner. My first inclination was to say, “thanks but not necessary, we are fine.” His response was “thank you, we would appreciate it.” He understood that it wasn’t about our need of food, it was about our need to be cared for and their desire to care for us. The food was the vehicle – the entry point. Their presence, the time it took to pick up and drive the food to our house, visit for twenty minutes and offer professional and sage advice was more than required. They could have easily had the food delivered. The food is not what lingers in my heart. They knew after five days of confinement to the house; their two friends were starved for social interaction. Their kind act of generosity changed the trajectory of my healing over the next few days.

Now the third question. What keeps you from being generous? What keeps you from receiving it with a glad heart? As spring gives way to summer, look for radical ways to be incredibly generous. I challenge you to go outside your comfort zone and beyond what you see of the recipient. Your act might change the trajectory of life for both.

2 Cor. 9:11

PONDER THIS THOUGHT---Generosity is a heart matter.