Pink Blossoms: Beauty or Sneezing?

Our South Carolina weather is full of surprises. One day we have the heat on, and the next, we are

ready to reach for spring clothing and sandals. Daffodils have popped up and some trees are in full bloom. While driving last week with my daughter, we turned around a cul-de-sac to get full view of a tree that bloomed overnight. It was breathtaking. I pointed it out to my grandson in the backseat.

"Isn't that beautiful?" I excitedly said to him. "That means winter is leaving and spring is coming."

“So that tree is what is making my brother have a runny nose?”

The Treasure of Generosity

     For the third time in four weeks, I heard the word, or read it in print. Generosity. When that happens, I know I should pay close attention.

We hear about generous givers such as wealthy benefactors to institutions or charitable organizations. The Bible speaks about being a cheerful giver and a sacrificial giver.   

     Paul wrote to the Corinthians and described the Macedonians, 

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5 ESV)

 

     We often associate generosity with finances but it shows up in other ways. We know the story of a young boy who offered and shared his lunch- five loaves and two fish. Jesus used it to feed 5,000. (John 6: 1-14) Generosity invests and multiplies.

 

     Last week, I waited in a car line at Costco. Fifteen cars passed me by before one motioned to let me turn. Sometimes, simple gestures are generous ones.

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We can be generous in listening to someone who has a heavy heart or who is bursting to tell us about something special in her life. 

     We can be generous by praying for another.

     We can be generous by speaking encouraging words. 

     We can be generous in giving time, especially when it’s inconvenient or to do  something out of our comfort zone.

Generosity is more than money. It’s personal. Paul commended the Macedonians because they gave themselves. Generosity costs. But when I spend, I invest, and it spreads and multiplies.

 

How can you be purposefully generous this week? Time, prayer, listening, a simple kindness, speaking?

Let us know. Perhaps your comment will inspire another to do the same, and your investment will spread and multiply to people you don't even know.

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Valentine’s Day: Sweet Experiences that Last

  

   Sweets, sharing, and self-care are the three categories where consumers will drive the expected $19 billion in sales for Valentine’s Day. Yes, you read that right. According to the National Retail Federation, sales’ projections of $19 billion are up from last year’s $18.2 billion.

     We’ve come a long way from the homemade Valentine’s boxes in grade school where children exchanged valentines and Moms had candy hearts waiting for their children at home. Floral bouquets, sweets, fancy restaurants, jewelry, gifts for pets, and spa appointments are among today’s top gifts.

   Also included are gifts of experiences, such as tickets to movies, sporting events, and concerts.