Generosity and Thanksgiving

There's incredible power "on tap" in both acts of generosity and thanksgiving. Obviously, if I'm on the receiving end of generosity I benefit directly from the gift. I can also benefit from the expression of my appreciation. Expressing thankfulness for "the good" others bring into my life, can lead to gratitude, and gratitude can lead to a healthier self and world view. I may even "pay it forward" by gifting another (just as I was gifted). This latter concept has inspired the Kindness Movement... one small act of kindness can lead to global change. If I am on the giving end, I not only have the satisfaction of doing something meaningful for someone else,  I give generosity a chance to change me from the inside out. Generosity is about priorities. It always requires us to turn our focus outward. And such "deadly sins" as greed, envy, and gluttony do not survive well in an environment of kindness and generosity. Too many of us are stuck, unable to move further along our faith journey because we are unwilling or unable to put love of God and neighbor before our love of self, comfort or possessions. God intends to use the power tools of generosity and thankfulness to make of us, cross shaped lives. Check out Colossians 3:14-17. I challenge you to exercise both generosity and thankfulness, and thus allow God's Spirit to do its' thing in your life and in the world!