Monday, November 23, 2009

Both sides of the coin

It's that time of the year when people seem more likely to give and still it is also the time of the year when selfishness can rule. I have been thinking a lot about this recently. Those able to give and those in need each have a unique perspective. I've been on both sides of that coin. Having plenty and barely getting by.

What if I spend a couple thousands dollars on a new TV, or laptop, or buy a new car, or new clothes? Do I need it? Could that money be better spent on helping someone who is struggling just to get by?

What if I am struggling just to make it from paycheck to paycheck? Can I rejoice in the blessings that others have? Can I truly be happy for them and not feel envious of them or jealous? Not holding it against them that it seems like they may have more or even God for that matter?

See each has the ability to give. Some may have the ability to give materially, but we all have the choice to place others ahead of ourselves. We have the ability to give grace and love. That may look like paying someones bills instead of buying something else for ourselves. It may also look like celebrating the fact that someone else may be able to buy things you can't. See it isn't really about the amount of money we have or even the things we can or can't buy. It is about looking outside of ourselves and seeing the important. It is that time of the year (really it should be that time of the year all of the time, but...). What side of the coin are you on? Will you choose to give today?

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