“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right
time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians
6:9 (NLT)
I felt worn-out, and I knew () [my perspective /on giving] needed a little refreshing.
Even though I’ve always admired generous people and want to be known
as one, I started to feel resistance in my heart /against being a truly
cheerful giver /in every area of my life — with my time, my gifts and my
finances.
* perspective;
In drawing or
painting, a way of portraying three dimensions on a flat,
two-dimensional surface by suggesting depth or distance.
Today, perspective is used much like standpoint. Just as standpoint
once used to mean simply the physical place where you stand but today
also means the way you "see" things as a result of who you are and what
you do.
Sometimes I was reluctant to give /because I felt too consumed /by my
every day schedule. Other times, I felt the pinch of need /in my own
life. And occasionally it was because I’d become jaded toward the
recipients of my help.
*jaded; tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something
My friend Rita told me a story //that was just what I needed. Her
mother, an immigrant //who grew up in desperate poverty, was very
committed /to a relief project /for her home country. She would collect
gently used shoes and ship them to an organization /in her homeland that
had needed help.
Rita’s mother did this for years, during which her own eight children observed their mother’s work and generosity.
Surprisingly, Rita was frustrated with her mother /instead of admiring
her work. One day, in exasperation, she said to her mother, “Why do you
continue to work on this project? You know how corrupt the system is
over there. Those shoes are probably stolen, resold and used to line the
pockets of some corrupt official. You are just wasting your time.”
Her mother looked at Rita compassionately and responded,
“Rita, my
responsibility is not in the receiving. My responsibility is in the
giving.”
As I digested Rita’s story and her mother’s lesson, I realized () I’d stopped giving /because I wasn’t sure of the response.
I didn’t give to poor people on the street /because I didn’t know how they’d spend the money.
I didn’t freely love friends /because I didn’t know how they felt about me.
I withheld time /from my family /because I didn’t think () they appreciated it.
It’s easy to find reasons not to give … Too busy. One too many scams. Believing () nobody cares about giving to me in my need. Thinking that somehow, somebody else will take care of it.
I’ve used all these excuses /at one point or another, but I felt a
softening in the hardened places of my heart /as I listened /to the wisdom
Rita’s mom shared.
Her reminder is one /echoed in Galatians 6:9,
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
If you’re tired and full of excuses /like I was, [the best way /to renew your commitment to doing good] is to start giving.
[My former stingy approach to life and love] never served me well. God
has given me extravagance and abundance.
I want to be wise /about where I
give my time and resources, but I also want to do it freely and with an
open heart.
I want to be one //who listens /carefully /to His voice for
opportunities to give, because I know () He can be trusted
with the
results.
[Receiving refreshment] comes through giving. And sometimes, it’s in the simplest of ways:
Give a smile to a weary clerk.
Give a break to a worn-out mom.
Give some time to a struggling non-profit.
Give your money to someone in need.
Give loving wisdom to a stressed friend.
Join me in the refreshing act of giving, even if you’re tired of doing good!
Lord, it’s easy to become tired in giving, but I’m asking You to
increase my desire and determination /to be generous in all parts of my
life. I ask You to make good on your promise: Refresh me as I refresh
others! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.