There are many newsletters which arrive regularly in my inbox. Frequently - admit it, you do this, too - I just hit delete. When I do find myself opening and scanning down through a particular message, there will usually be something that jumps out at me. Such was the case today as I was reading the current edition from Excellence in Giving.
The headline read, "Giving Generously or Living Generously - Generosity is not a one time action it is a constant way of life". Interested in the topic and curious about what they were going to say, I clicked on the link. The author, Jay Link, shared some thoughts and experiences which resonate with me. Mr. Link says, "The lesson is this: I can be generous in how I give without being generous in how I live. Conversely, I have also learned that a person who lives generously always gives generously." Hmmm....
Following snapshot shares a couple of his points (click here for the entire article):
Characteristics of those whose lives model "Living Generously":
"Characteristic #1: Generous Living is Open-Hearted
Those who live generously are open-hearted and alert to find people who are struggling, hurting or in pain. They empathize with those whose world is difficult and they enjoy trying to make it better.
Characteristic #2: Generous Living is Open-Minded
The minds of those who live generously are always thinking about creative ways to bless and encourage others in both great and small ways. They are consciously engaged in their world and the lives of those around them, poised to show generosity to anyone whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Characteristic #3: Generous Living is Open-Handed
The resources of those who live generously, all of them – (time, talent, treasure [and torso]), are ready to be gladly given whenever a need or an opportunity is discovered. When it is within their power to respond, they relish the privilege to make a difference and bless the life of another – friend or stranger. They live out the extreme attitude, “What is mine is yours and you can have it.”"
I don't know about you, but while I work hard to give and live generously, I think I've got some work to do. Let's all make it a goal to do so - just think how much better our world would be! Thank you, Mr. Link, for your transparency and prompting to thought and action.
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