Togetherness
The world of today seems to have taken a drastic turn from the times that are spoken of in our verses for today. Imagine a world where everything I have is yours, everything you have is mine, and we live together in harmony. I think of times like that and wonder how we could incorporate that into times of today. How can generosity take a greater focus on our lives?
Generosity of treasures, time and talents mean different things to different people. The ability for us to give is many times overshadowed by what we need to do every day. Maybe we work so many hours it is hard for us to give up any more time for others. Maybe it is all we can do to keep food on our own tables, never mind giving it to others. Do I really have a talent someone else may benefit from?
It can be difficult to find the time, release the money, or recognize a talent that can be shared in a larger community. Yet, chances are, if we reflect long enough, there is something we can do. It does not have to be grand in nature. It just needs to come from your heart.
· It may be financially difficult for me to buy a big bag of groceries for the soup kitchen, but making a pot of soup for an elderly neighbor is possible.
· Finding time to work in the soup kitchen can be tough for me but purchasing a few extra items during grocery shopping this week is possible.
· My talent may not lie in running the soup kitchen, but volunteering to make the meatloaf is more in line with the talent I possess.
Friends, giving all that we can to help those in need is living out Jesus’ love. Helping others with a helping hand can be exactly what someone needs. Our greatest ability each of us has to help others. Praying! We can all add someone in need to our prayer list. We can all take a couple moments to raise up another in prayer.
Yet, when the time comes when we see an open door to give more, let us do so with a warm and giving heart. Let us take the time, share our treasures, or offer our talents to those around us. Will it help someone else? Yes. Will it help you? More than you will know. Have simple faith!
Dearest Jesus, please open my eyes to see the open doors in front of me where I can give to others. May I have simple faith that I know I can give to those around me. Amen!