Generosity

Gratitude Journal -
1. Generous people
2. Reunions with old friends
3. The gift of humor
4. SEC Football Saturdays
5. Chris and Jenny's farm!

Since there are no luggage racks on top of the hearse,
I guess we will all be generous in the end...

It is one thing to be generous with our own property and belongings,
it is another to be generous with our benevolence and positive attitude toward others!

A recent visit with friends of long ago reminded me of deep gaps between some of these brothers and sisters in our ancient past. Yet, in the few hours we spent together we chose to be not just civil, but actually caring toward one another. Some had lost their spouse, while others had serious physical struggles. Others shared wounds suffered in the recent economic pains being born by so many in our nation over this past year or two. Together we grieved the loss of mutual friends who used to walk the halls with us, share jokes and laughter, and pray along side us in chapel...

I wonder if we were just all on our best behavior or if something more was afoot. If we scratched just a little bit I am sure we could have started some lively and possibly troubling exchange. However, I believe we all desired, not just to be peaceful with one another, but to actually find ways to 'connect'. The deep hope was to be generous toward one another. To be gracious and kind and forgiving and supportive. To be merciful and truly care - in the name of Christ, the One who brought us together in the first place.

Sure, I could have given up a little money, if called upon. I might have provided food, clothes, shelter or contributed in several different ways to be of encouragement toward some of my old friends. However God granted a change in my attitude and in my heart. In that special moment in time, it was as if I saw with a new set of eyes.

Lord - I pray for my 'friends' and their current journey. Bless each one! However I also pray that I might not rest in my past. Open before me Your continuing grace and may I be generous toward all - friend and stranger alike. Jesus' example - with thousands or one on one - is my best guide. Grant that Your Holy Spirit will lead me to see opportunities to open my heart and may I have the will to do so...

In Christ I pray -
AMEN