Make this season about generosity

Friends, we are likely facing some difficult times ahead. We are potentially headed towards a global recession which will affect many of us economically. I have always thought that we can counter our realities by acting in the opposite spirit. For me and my household we will, therefore, make this a season to give.?

The Scripture I’m holding on to is,?“we are not born with a spirit of fear but with power, love and a sound mind.”?– 1 Timothy 2:7. What do you take comfort in during less comfortable seasons???

Below are some practical things I will try so we can keep the gift of generosity stirred.

Declutter and donate

Minimalism is not only a trend because of its aesthetics, but there’s an element of blessing as we remove things that are just sitting around. This is the season for spring cleaning, and for evaluating the items in my household that are taking up space but could be used and greatly appreciated by someone else. Decluttering and donating is also good for claiming back some headspace in my life and for focusing on the more important things.

Being kind and generous in daily to-dos

The mundane, ordinary things on my to do list are wonderful opportunities to exercise patience and kindness with other people, and even toward myself. Generosity is not always about giving financially, it’s more of a heart attitude that we can walk with in everyday life.?

This month and always, may I be generous… with my time, my patience, and my material possesions. May I remember to bless the person who skipped ahead of me in the queue or in traffic, may I offer a kind word of encouragement to the shop teller, or to the mom waiting for her children to come out of class. Wherever I go, let me radiate generosity, kindness and the lavish grace of my Heavenly Father.

Serving an initiative that is close to my heart

This month, we will be hosting a fundraising event on behalf of a loyal friend, Oscar. This will be our ‘family act of generosity,’ to support a movement that is close to our hearts. We as a family believe that we have purpose as individuals and as a unit. As a unit, we believe we are here to build bridges.?

This is why?SADRA?is an initiative so close to our hearts. We aspire to build bridges through walking in love and peace. SADRA offers some key training initiatives to make this accessible and a reality for all peace builders in our country.?

Reading quotes and verses that stir up generosity

The best way to stir up a generous giving heart is to engage with generous people, or for us to spend time reading verses and quotes that stir up the blessing of giving. Here are a few that I’m looking at, there are many more.?

• “You do not have to be rich to be generous.”?– Unknown
• “Freely you have received; freely give.”?– Matthew 10:8
• “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”?– Steve Maraboli
• “Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.”?– Jim Romn
• “Everyone can experience the joy and blessing of generosity; because everyone has something to give.”?– Jan Grace
• “No one has ever become poor by giving.”?– Anne Frank
• “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”?– Hebrews 13:6
• “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”?– 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Eat, drink and be generous

“And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labour, for these are gifts from God”. – Ecc. 3:13?

My encouragement to you today is to think about others. How could you be a blessing to those around you? At Hluma Media, our team is centred on storytelling, and sharing the goodness of God through the work that we do. We see this too, as a means to generously share our gifts with those we come into contact with. What are your gifts? Where are you already giving?

#dailyreflecting #letlovelead #conqueringfear #giving #gratitude