Over the past few days, I sent some small toys to church for our afterschool program for their "rewards shop," packed some old towels and sheets in Big Sister's backpack for the county Animal Shelter, dropped some money in a Salvation Army kettle, sent canned goods to work with Hubby for another collection at church, and mailed a donation to March of Dimes.
I have to admit, there are times I feel like I'm running out of ideas. The other day, I spent a little while catching up on the paid survey invitations I had from Opinion Outpost, and I donated about $1 to the Red Cross from the "consolation screen" at the end of surveys for which I didn't qualify. I was sick at home and not really able to do much of anything else, but I know that was a stretch. Still, I decided to count it for the challenge because the continued streak of giving is a little extra motivation.
Really, though, checking something off of my list or keeping this going for however-many days in a row shouldn't be my motivation at all. My motivation should be to give to others for the glory of our generous God, the Giver of all good things. That ought to be all of the motivation I need.
So let me rephrase what I said earlier: The continued streak, the challenge to give for 30 days in a row, is not some legalistic thing I'm doing because I feel obligated. And it isn't a contest I want to win or an achievement for which I want to earn bragging rights. It's simply a way to challenge myself to get creative and keep going, a way to hold myself accountable for what I say I believe.
It is only as good as the heart behind it.
Lord, search my heart. Teach me how to give from the depths of it. Show me opportunities to give and love like You. And forgive me if I ever make it about myself. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment