We All Have Something

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:24-25

Growing up I was always shown by my parents what it is to be a generous person and I've tried to continue that in my life in every area. There have been times I've had more to give, and there's times I may have less but I've always have something to give. I believe we all have something to give no matter how much or how little we posses.

There's a few ways to be generous that I've been shown and try to practice in my life:

BE GENEROUS WITH...

YOUR GOALS - last year I started making 3 lists of goals. I used to only make 2 lists which consisted of personal, and spiritual goals. Now my list is: what are my goals for my personal life, spiritual life and what goals of others do I want to help make happen. Even within personal goals I try to center them around the betterment of others. Even losing weight has others in mind. A healthier you makes for a better husband or wife, leader, parent and friend.

YOUR COMPASSION - see beyond your hurt, your problems and yourself. See the needs and hurts of the world around you and do something about them. It could be as simple as taking time to grab coffee with someone going through a hard time and just listening to them. Being generous with your time will mean sacrificing some of the things you may want to do, or at least putting them off for a day or two.

YOUR WORDS - This is huge! Be generous with your words. Don't assume people know you appreciate them. Don't assume your son knows you think he's talented and gifted. Don't assume your spouse knows what you love about them. Don't assume your family knows you value them. Don't assume, and don't get so comfortable that you take even a day for granted with those in your life. The only thing safe to assume is that someone doesn't know how you feel.

There's so many more ways to be generous. I do believe in being generous in our giving financially, or in our time and resources, but sometimes it's these 3 simple things that make as much difference as a meal or large check would make.

Make it a generous year.

The Sky Was The Limit

“This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.” - St. Augustine

As I head into a new year I'm more determined than ever to really chase after all that God has put in my heart. As I go after all the dreams and desires that I have I know there's really only one thing that can get in the way. ME. I love the quote above from St. Augustine, and how that reminds me that each of us have limitations. It's our personal limitations, or imperfections, that will be the only thing keeping us from doing what we're made to do.

I feel it's important to recognize the imperfections and limitations so I can take the necessary actions to overcome them. Sometimes it will take accountability with others to over come our limitations. Sometimes it may require us to adjust and realign our focus and goals in order to beat the limitations. No matter what limitations we have, the worst thing we can do is let that limit us from achieving the goals and desires that God has put in our hearts. Make this a year where the sky – was the limit.