I want to be a generous person. I want to be generous with my money and give it away when I can, and I also want to be generous with my kindness. I want to be generous with people who have different opinions than the ones I hold, knowing almost everything I believe I could be wrong. I want to be generous to people who appear to be mean or rude. I live in a society which is crowded, lonely, and stressed. So many people are overworked, underpaid, and dealing with enormous pressure. I want to remember that when I think I am being treated unfairly.
I want to be generous because we live in a world that is hard, and if I can do anything to bring just a little bit of joy to someone else,
I want to do that. I am not in a position to make big policy changes, so I will have to settle for little acts of kindness that will not change the world, but might bring some joy to people who need a little encouragement. It is true that George Bailey, from “It’s A Wonderful Life”, is one of my heroes. Just an ordinary guy who lives a generous life in small ways that leave the world changed.
This morning, however, my desire to be generous was frustrated. I wanted to give a generous tip to a person who doesn’t usually receive them. I suspect that it is a person who isn’t often thanked for the work that they do, even though it is incredibly important. However, apparently, they have a rule at her place of employment, and she is not allowed to accept tips. I am feeling disappointed that I am not allowed to help.
Willy Nelson doing his work at a local hospital
Of course there is a selfish element to my generosity. I love the joy I get from helping others. A few years ago, I was having breakfast on Thanksgiving Day with an airman at a local pancake house. Our server looked really tired, and in the small talk that came as we ordered, she shared with us that she was a struggling single mother. Willy Nelson, my service dog, was with me, and she really liked how much he brightened her morning. At the end of the meal, I slipped her a $50 bill and told her it was from Willy Nelson. She was very moved by a dog who would be so generous. She went back into the kitchen, and I heard a loud shout of joy, “Willy Nelson just gave me a $50 tip.” The joy I got at that moment, and the joy that I get remembering that story now, several years later, is worth so much more than the $50.
That said, I am not always as generous as I want to be. Too often I get angry and don’t show grace. Too often I give gifts because it is expected, and I give out of obligation rather than a desire to give a good gift. Too often I don’t give at all. But I don’t dwell on where I am; but instead, I look forward and press on, keeping my eyes on Jesus and asking the Lord to show me how I can be more generous. I know that being generous is not just good for the world, but it is good for me.
I pray that today you would find opportunities to be generous to others for their good and yours.
