This morning when I was throwing out last week’s vegetables and replacing them with new veggies for this week, I was considering if I would eat them before they would become next weeks throw outs. Then of course my mind drifted (as it often does) to how many other things we consider disposable: I began to think about unfinished projects, to-do-lists, chores, and goals that we leave unfinished.
We throw away our dreams, we throw away our hopes and ambitions, and sometimes we even throw away our lives through the use of drugs and alcohol. It seems that people have become expendable too as we throw away relationships and children that we abandon, marriages we give up on, and children we abort.
When did we become so calloused to life and living? Our hearts have become hard as we justify every choice we make in an effort to control and increase our level happiness. We are the ME ME ME generation that is driven by more focus on self and have rejected others in the process.
I want to offer a different approach to living that is GUARANTEED to bring joy, satisfaction, and happiness: Care more about others than you do yourself.
I can hear the questions now, "Isn't that codependency?" Well, it depends. If you do for others because you NEED their validation and praise, then you are manipulating others to get YOUR needs met. That's codependency. If you give without any expectation of anything in return because you see THEY have an unmet need, then that's called CHARITY.
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38
Today, as you go about your life, don't throw away opportunities to love on someone else. Before you walk out the door, kiss you spouse, hug your kids, and give the gift of love that is freely given from your heart. You may receive a hug and kiss in return. Be charitable as you drive, giving patience to others and you might find patience in return.When you pour charity onto others, it returns to you multiplied many times. Bless others and you will be blessed.
Day 20: Charity