We get to give to get to give to get to give...

“We get to give to get to give to get to give.” – John Wimber

I love to give things away.  Personally, I find so much freedom in my life by holding onto “the stuff” very loosely.  I think I’ve always been wired this way, even when I didn’t have much.  Do I like nice stuff?  Oh, you know that I do.  Count me in for rich food, close up seats at concerts, high thread count in my sheets, and getting extra legroom on flights to new faraway places.  I like the good life better, probably, than I should.  It wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit it.

I have discovered a really important component of my truly enjoying life. It’s a truth that has held up in times of plenty and in leaner seasons, too. The only way I can really take pleasure in having stuff is to hold it very loosely, share liberally, and give thanks.

I know that not everyone is wired this way. And that’s a good thing. My tendency to “give away the farm” has led to more than one conversation in my marriage when more prudence was warranted. Thankfully, I have family and friends who are wise and sensible managers, good savers, more strategic in the allocation of resources. We give balance to each other’s tendencies and are all better for it. When we share a value of generosity, and live out that value according to each of our unique talents, personalities, and insights, then resources can go even further to meet needs and touch lives.

I am a huge fan of Stewardship season in the church (or, may I say, parish!). It is a time for each of us to assess our unique relationships with money and with stuff. It is a time for each of us to challenge ourselves in generosity: to give toward causes and communities that matter to us and help us multiply our own commitments to sowing seeds of good in the world.

I truly hope that you will count your church community among those causes worthy of faithful generosity next year. Honestly, I think it would be awesome if every single household or family who calls Grace home would pledge to give something in support of our wonderful church parish in 2022. Annual pledges at Grace always range in dollar amounts from $50 into the thousands. There is room in that spread for each of us, according to our resources, or other commitments, and our dedication to the mission and values of Grace. We are grateful for every pledge, whatever size, because they support our life together and service to neighbors throughout Southwest Houston! I think it’s important to start somewhere and make an investment that is part of saying “yes” to Grace and belonging in this loving community.

Please join me in holding stuff loosely.  Please join me in a commitment to living generously.  Please join me in supporting Grace with a pledge for 2022.
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Scott+