Lavishly giving to others is a gateway to joy!
JOY
A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
Philanthropy is in vogue today and a new crop of young social engineers with innovative ideas and energy have gained a global impression on governments and private sectors. This is remarkable!
However, personalized, grass roots giving is distinct.
Hang with me.
We have come to week three in "The Coming." Until now, we have primarily experienced the season by looking inward and upward. Today, we begin to look around us to our brothers and sisters, and take a "horizontal view."
Woven within our Christmas storyline is sacrificial giving and servant leadership.
At some point in our lives, we move beyond self-interest and self-evolution and SEE the people in our communities and beyond our own families.
Introspection for self-development alone does not produce joy over a life time. Perhaps you've experienced this.
Loving ourselves is essential.
But then what?
It's time to look up, around, across and hold the hands of others who are suffering, hungry and lost.
"It is in giving that we receive."
Personalized, grass roots giving has a variety of forms and flavors. We can give time, resources, talent, intellect, friendship, professional knowledge and prayers to name a few.
This morning I watched the following CNN Hero's video posted on Facebook by my friend, Meg McGuinness .
The story is a brilliant example of how giving produces joy.
Click here to watch the video which lasts about three minutes.
Doesn't the man ooze joy? The energy he exudes is contagious. I can feel his happiness and contentment.
Few of us are called to give up careers and make a 360 degree lifestyle change but regular doses of small acts of service and giving are just as effective joy producers.
Join me in the comments by sharing how you would like to give in the final weeks of "The Coming."
Prayer
Spirit, may my mouth, hands, feet, eyes, voice and soul be an instrument of service to others in the coming weeks. Help me to see where a simple act of giving will change someone's life.
