Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices - Blogs

January 14, 2014

Giving Out of Abundance

This year my four old son decided to give my husband, his young brother, and I Christmas gifts. He announced this prior to our daily naptime a week ago. Upon hearing, I confess that I gave him scissors, tape, and some wrapping paper thinking that it would be a good way to keep him occupied for 30-40 minutes. Perhaps he’d make some artwork that we could appreciate for “trying so hard!”

I didn`t expect greatness—only peace for a moment.

On Christmas Eve we passed out our presents. Jude, it must be said, was very excited about us all opening our presents. They were lopsided, overly taped, pitiful looking items.

I opened my box to find a pair of his scissors. Jude heard me say that I lost mine and would need to get some new ones.

His father received a box with the main character of a beloved movie. The box was to keep his wallet so he`d know where to find it each morning.

His baby brother received a book with his favorite television character from Jude’s book collection.

It struck me that Jude had given presents sacrificially and with intent. He’d given his gifts enthusiastically…indeed even cheerfully. When thanked, he commented that he knew he had enough already (he was actually surrounded by presents at the time.)

And there it was: giving out of a sense of abundance.

As an ECF consultant for annual giving, I spend a lot of time talking about creating an ethos of giving with a focus on abundance. My son in that moment knew how to practice giving in a way that I only wish I could practice on a regular basis.

How do you cultivate this type of cheerfulness of giving in your home? Have you experienced a sacrificial gift that has been transformative? How do you move beyond just talking about giving out of abundance into practicing?