Learning to be generous as part of gratitude.
This past week and weekend was all about Thanksgiving and contemplating the meaning of gratitude. A friend recently connected the concepts of generosity and gratitude. It's amazing how some of the most generous people are also the least well off. I'm finding that as finances get tighter, it's a bigger choice to give and be generous. However, generosity and gratitude are healthy for the heart, soul and pocket book, right? After all, God loves a cheerful giver.
What is generosity?
It's not all about money. For many of us the easiest thing to give is money. The hardest thing to give is time or genuine attention. Sometimes just caring is tough. So, how do we prepare for Christmas by making extending it to a daily lifestyle? Here are some more ideas:
1. Today is World's Aids Day.
I am going to do my part by visiting a Starbucks today - in honor of World's Aids Day. The event this season is - "Buy (RED)™. Help save lives." They're giving 5 cents to the Global Fund for every "hand-crafted Starbucks beverage" sold on December 1, 2008 from 7 am to 7 pm at participating US and Canada locations. (Every time you purchase a Red Exclusive beverage between Nov. 27 and Jan. 2, they will give 5 cents to the Global Fund so you can keep visiting them, enjoy your coffee and do good all at the same time.)
2. Make a coffee or lunch date with someone you know who might feel isolated. You can combine buying Red to give to the Global Fund and being kind to someone you know.
3. Let someone go in front of you - in line at the grocery store, in traffic or any where. If you're a praying person, pray for them as you let them go ahead. You may be the only one praying for them that day.
That's three more ways to extend Christmas - globally and locally, low cost and no cost (financially). Keep spreading the cheer!
