Most of us want to be successful, well off, and live the good life. Did you ever consider that the way to accomplish this might not be grabbing all you can, but by giving your way there? Did you consider that the way up the ladder of life might be going outward instead of upward? This seems foreign to us and absolutely contrary to everything we are taught in society. After all, we are taught that we if we do not look out for ourselves, who will?



Jesus mentioned much about giving during his earthly ministry... ?Give and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If someone takes your cloak, give them your tunic too.?( Luke 6:29,31,38)

Jesus talked about a generous lifestyle that many of us shy away from. If we are honest in the deepest part of our beings, we have to admit that when it comes to giving we are often afraid.

Prime Minister Golda Meir once said, ?You can't shake hands with a clinched fist.? When we have a clenched fist approach to life, by holding on tightly to our money, time and possessions, we become the losers. The very thing we desire escapes us. When we have generous spirits, I believe generosity has a way of finding us as well... ?A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.?

So, sometimes you just have to start where you are and with what you have in order to cultivate a generous spirit. Giving doesn't always have to be monetary. How could you make a difference at your work place or in your neighborhood? Can you make a dinner for someone? What about writing a note to your postman or garbage collector? Can you volunteer at a homeless shelter or the Salvation Army or a nursing home? What about getting your kids involved? Can you give up a couple of lattes a month and save money to fund a project your family can get involved in.

Let your kids pick it out and save some of their allowance towards it. Check out www.kiva.org for some great projects to get behind!

Some of the most joyful and content people in our world today are givers. We have seen what society offers - bankruptcy, divorce, suicide, etc. Open up your hands and your hearts to refresh someone else and watch your life take on a new dimension of blessing!