Dec 3 - What Is True Generosity?

Instead of using the word 'Giving,' I chose 'Generosity' for the title of this blog. I know it probably wasn't the best idea from a googling standpoint or for great ease in remembering the name of the site, but there was a reason I did it.

Generosity is a more complex word and not often used in our society today. I believe there is a reason for that. Generosity is defined as a readiness and liberality in giving. It's the freedom from smallness of mind and character. It's magnanimous! (I love that word!) Generosity is bountiful and abundant. Generosity is nobility in thought and behavior. (I really like where this is headed!)

The antonym of Generosity (that's the opposite of the word for those of you that are trying pull up the mental file from grade school English of what exactly that word means) is stingy, petty, mean, and selfish. Ouch.

Then there is the meaning of Giving: to yield, to give in, to concede, bestow a gift. You're probably thinking 'Giving doesn't sound too bad.' and 'How could it be any different than Generosity?' The defintition from my perspective was somewhat alarming.

When I looked up Giving, I naturally assumed that it would be almost identical to Generosity. But I was shocked to find that the definition doesn't sound very noble or inspirational at all. The definition of Giving sounds like I would be giving under pressure, almost a 'half to' kind of thing. Like I finally said, 'Okay, fine, I'll give. But don't make me do it again.'

So, on Day 3 of this Experiment, I ask you - What are you doing to countdown to Christmas? Are you being Generous or Giving? It's not a an issue about which word you use, but which definition you embody. Examine your heart and let me know what you find. I don't know about you, but I want to be noble and magnanimous!

"Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. " - 2 Cor 9:11

Day 1 - My First Give

I got to work this snowy morning, went to fill my mug, and there in the break room was a Christmas tree with paper angels. Could it already be starting at 8:15am Day 1 of the 25 day Generosity Experiment? Didn’t my husband and I just talk about how adopting an Angel could be one of the ‘gives?'

I thought adopting an Angel would sort of be like filler for a day that was more difficult to find something to give or a day when I didn’t have an obvious opportunity. Well, I was wrong. Between you and me, I kind of think God wanted to get the ‘easy gives’ out of the way first. No waiting around. . . let the challenge begin. I get a sense that this experiment is going to test and eventually build up my faith if we’re starting with the Angel Tree. This could get interesting!

Our angel is Shawna. She is 30 years old and all she wants is pink sheets and clothes - size 8/10 pants and medium shirts. She’s the same age and size as me. The thought definitely crossed my mind – but for the grace of God go I. Thank you Lord for soft sheets, a cozy bed on a cold night, and a closet full of clothes just my size.

What was your ‘give’ today?