02/11/2008

Generosity.

Some people have it naturally. Some don't. Some work at having it. Some don't.

I can think of some people who distinctly fall into the 'don't' category, but I'm not going to bother with listing them here. **smiling** Some things are better left unsaid, eh?

BUT...Yesterday somebody generositied-my-socks-off, and so it got me thinking about the people in my life who have held out open hands to me. The sacrifices of these particular people have taught me more about the character of Jesus. They inspire me. They make me want to be more giving because I'm reminded:

If I am willing to give openly and abundantly, people will see Jesus in me.

And that's what I want.

So, as a good starting point in my refreshed vigor for giving, I would like to point out a few people who demonstrated sacrifice on my behalf: The first person being practically a stranger, but also being the person who humbled me yesterday as I recognized someone acting upon the good ole WWJD.

Mable- Mable is a grandmother to 19.5 beautiful grandchildren (one is still in the oven). She lives in a cozy house on a main street in North Houston with her husband. Mable has been given a talent for arts/crafts...basically, she just oozes with creativity. She also oozes with creative supplies: I'm talking about every kind of craft supply known to mankind. And so, as Mable was perusing a website, she came across an ad I had written that said something like: "If anyone has some craft supplies that they don't need, I am constantly doing creative things with my toddler and could really use some stuff." Mable didn't think twice. We drove to her house last night and this woman literally filled the trunk of my car with fun supplies. She welcomed us like family, and we plan to see more of Miss Mable. Her grandchildren don't live close by, so she enjoyed every minute with our kids. Mable is the embodiment of generosity. I can't tell you what a joy she exuded through giving!

Grandpa Durling- Grandma has been more than generous with us grandkids, too, by the way, but Grandpa understood generosity in an 'all that AND a stack of pancakes' kind of way. My grandparents used to pay us for doing things like picking rocks out of their yard. I think we got paid by the bucket. Grandpa held those he loved closely, and everything else was insignificant. How rare is that in our materialistic world??!!

Bogs- This is my nickname for my brother. Kyle is naturally generous, but for reasons unbeknownst to me, his generosity goes into overdrive in my regard. I remember Christmases where I'd have all sorts of gifts under the tree from Kyle, and at the last minute he would still be trying to come up with more cash to fit one last item in my stocking or place one more gift under the tree.

The Heard Family- During one of the most critical times in my life, they allowed me to impose upon them, taking up their time and using them as quite a literal hiding place from my life. The Heards are the kind of people who you can go to after 6 years of not communicating at all and say, "Hey, do you have a minute?" And, guess what, they'll make time.

Michael and Emily Riley- Aside from financially sponsoring my entire social life, the Riley's provided free medical advice when I needed it most (this was not uncommon...OCD...you wouldn't understand). Mr. Riley provided medical assistance when I literally needed it--he was my anesthetist when I had surgery years ago. I woke up with no problem, and if I've never said 'thanks'...I'm saying it now!

Auntie Sharon- Sharon gives lots of unexpected things. Most of the time they aren't really financial things at all. Sharon gives the gift of words. I have read so many little notes and cards from her--handwritten on the coolest stationary--and I always hope that I will be able to bless people with words, too.

I'm just starting to realize that this post could be eternal. How can I possibly write a blurb about my Dad and Mom, some friends, my husband, neighbors, family, and complete strangers...it isn't possible to do justice to everyone! I guess this summary will have to suffice:

The generosity of many has reminded me of the generosity of ONE. And without that ONE, we are nothing, we have nothing, we can give nothing.