Generosity

Why is it when we make the decision to focus on a goal or project, little bits and pieces of life begin to crumble around us like a loaf of day old bread? Survival instincts take over, distraction happens, self centeredness creeps in and being generous is the last thing on our mind. 

 Distraction chokes our ability to focus, live generously and create well. 

Recently I was stumped on a mind-boggling (at least to me) technology issue. It distracted and consumed me, gobbled up precious writing time and nibbled away at my peace and serenity.

Creating good work had taken a back seat to the need to find an answer.

I was focused, but not on what mattered most. Up early and in bed late I was reduced to tears of frustration, all while researching and seeking a reason and explanation for this ugly glitch. I was beside myself. Months of work had vanished with seemingly no way of recovering it. 

Technology and I have a love hate relationship…. and it had escalated to the point where I wanted out. No longer was I interested in a relationship with the tech world. I was thinking separation  – maybe even divorce and was ready to close every social media account, shut down my blog, step away from Facebook and shut down Twitter. 

I reached out to online friends and those who might be able to help. Generous advice was given. I made a few tweaks and saw baby steps of possibility …then BAM – I was back to square one. I wanted to give up.

Melodramatic? Perhaps. Honest thoughts? Absolutely.

I considered what life was like before I fell in love with writing and how simple life would be if all I had were my leather journal and a good pen.

Score:      Technology 10.     Me 0.

Head in hands, I stopped trying.

I prayed…. Lord, I can’t do this. I don’t get it, I give up. What is the point? 

Silence. No answer. No great revelation. Deafening silence.

Maybe God was busy with other bigger more important problems. After all, no one was bleeding nor was the sun in danger of failing to come up the next day if my issue was not solved. It was big to me, but it seemingly was not important to Him.

Silence. I went to bed. It was 1 a.m.

When daylight came, not much had changed. A few bits of advice and encouragement came in from my community. I had reached out for tech support the night before and when I awoke there were a few rays of hope waiting in my in-box from them. I tried. I tweaked, not sure if I was gaining ground, but I soldiered on one step at a time and then… glorious joy a breakthrough! The and generosity of others more gifted than I brought back to life what I feared was lost forever. 

Magic happens when we give up and allow our focus to shift from what we can not do to what we can and invite the strengths and gifts of others to overtake our weaknesses.

I was reminded once again that- 

• Generosity and kindness is alive and well.
• I am capable of mastering tasks I see as impossible.
• The world is full of hard places, but there are those who genuinely care and want to help.
• Everything looks better in the morning.
• God cares about our struggles no matter what they are.

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.      Matthew 10:42

We can afford to be generous.

When we live with hands open it makes room for more. More to give and room to receive. 

What gift do you have that you could share? Is it a smile, a meal or insight into technology? Do you know how to fix cars or can you spend time with a little one so a weary mama can have a small break?

 

 Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.    1 Corinthians 10:31 

 

The “thing” which is easiest for us if often not so for someone else. 

• What is your thing?
• How can you be generous today?
• What can be a cup of cold water to someone else today? 

 

Go be amazing. Be generous. Do your “thing” for someone who is not expecting it! Trust someone who knows… it will make their day!  

 

Blessings!!