This past week, I feel like I haven’t had a chance to catch my breath. Each day there’s a multitude of things I have to do, meetings I have to attend, events I have to go to, etc. On top of that, I work, tutor, and babysit. I just haven’t had time to be.
Moments like today, when I have a slow hour, I reflect on the busy. I take a few minutes and praise myself for getting through it without ripping apart at the seams. Then I make sure to take the time to remember why I do so much and why I’m so busy.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Giving can sometimes be a difficult topic. It often leaves people feeling like they haven’t and can’t do enough. There’s always more to give, but there’s the worry of running out.
Usually, we focus on money when we talk about giving. But if you look at those two verses, and if you look at that whole chapter, you won’t find “money” mentioned even once! Not all giving has to be financial. Sometimes we can’t give 10% of our paychecks to God. We have to pay rent, and buy groceries, and our shoes have holes so we need new ones, and our car needs gas to drive to work, and… What if we consider the many other ways to give?
God has blessed everyone with talents, gifts, and abilities that are meant to be shared with others. We can give freely of these talents, gifts, and abilities to share with our neighbors the love of Christ. That’s Christian giving.
We can give freely of our time to our neighbors in need: babysitting, cooking a meal, cleaning an apartment when the owner is sick or injured, driving someone to wherever they need to go, offering a shoulder and words of support. That’s Christian giving.
Next time you feel overwhelmingly busy, I encourage you to remember this passage of Scripture. Remember that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Remember that the Holy Spirit is working in us to do good works that require giving our time away.
Yes, I’m really busy. I get overwhelmed easily. But I’m giving my time to the people around me that are in need.
Image taken from Toon Pool. “Busy Woman.”
An Ink and Fire Faith 