What are the holidays made of? As I have pondered this question, I have come up with two words- Thanks and giving. We are to be thankful and we are to be giving. It is actually out of my thankfulness that I am drawn to give. I think the two go hand in hand. If I am truly thankful, my heart will want to give.
Are you a giver? Well, I have a confession. I am not one. Not at all, actually. I truly believe the classic question to see if you are a giver or not is to ask yourself what you would do if you won the lottery. My first thought is always to tithe, go on an amazing vacation, to set up college funds for our kids, and to save enough money to have a wonderful retirement. What is left over, we could give to a charity and/or to our families. The giving comes after taking care of myself. My husband is the true definition of a giver. He always says, if I win the lottery, I want to give however many million dollars to our church or to CCS, to a charity, etc… Let’s just say that isn’t my first thought…ha ha:) I LOVE his heart.
I want to be more like my husband- a true definition of a giver. But how do I do that? I mean, that’s not who I am!!! What. Ever.!!!! As I have struggled with giving over the years, I have found one sure way to make me more of a giver. You ready to know how? Wait for it.. Wait for it…GIVE! Yep, that is the answer to get over your “anti-giving” mentality. Simply give. Make yourself give something completely ridiculous. Something completely out of budget. Out of the plan. Let’s just say, this is hard for a tight-wad, penny pincher like myself.
If it was not for people who gave to us over the last 2 years, or even the ones who continue to give, we literally would not have made it these last few years. We would have had to sell our house or move in with our parents…people’s “ridiculous” gifts kept us afloat- kept us alive!
What “ridiculous, out of the budget” gift will you give this holiday season? Don’t get me wrong, still be wise, but what could you give that would push you out of your comfort zone? I can guarantee you that God will give you back more than you can imagine and thanks will fill your heart. It isn’t until we give in a big way that we realize not only the gifts we have been given, but thankfulness will fill our heart. Be thankful this Christmas. Be Giving. I’d love to hear you share what your ridiculous gift this season will be. I’m still deciding on mine. Now that I’ve made it public, the accountability will make me stick to it, and not my conservative budget:) Thanks a lot, blog world. Peer pressure works every time.