When I was in my early 20's a friend invited me to go to Hawaii with her. It was a last minute invite as her fiancé had to decline due to work obligations and I soon found myself aboard a 747 for my first ever commercial flight.
Hawaii was beautiful and we charted a trip to an island paradise where we would snorkel and relax on private white beaches. While on the one hour boat ride to the island we were laughing and merrymaking with others on the trip. I had been told to bring bring a half-loaf of bread and tie it to my bikini so I could feed the fish. Obediently, I did as I was told. Soon after I had waded into the waters waste deep and was prepping my face-mask for the dive. I looked down into the water and much to my amazement and great fear, I saw a whirlpool of fish, including eels and sand sharks, swirling around me. Hastily, I grabbed the bread that was neatly tied at my side and flung the bread as far from me as possible while running (as well as I could with flippers on) toward shore where my friend sat laughing hysterically.
In the 1960's money was referred to as "bread." In many ways bread and money are very much alike. Just like the bread I tossed into the ocean, money can be as carelessly tossed away. Consider gambling, shopping, and other pleasure-seeking additions that take a bite out of our budgets as we throw our money away. All through the Bible are references to bread as a perishable commodity and money that has limitations as well. But unlike bread, money has the ability to return to you a profit when you invest it wisely. When you use your profits to benefit others, through your generosity you benefit as well. Your profit is immediate (good feelings) as well as later when those benefits are returned to you multiplied (honored, respected, appreciated, and praised).
1 "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth."
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (ESV)
When you spread your bread by giving to Encouragers Counseling & Training Centers the gift you give benefits many.
Day 48: Generosity