Many people desire abundance so that
they can be more generous in their giving.
I understand this kind of thinking. There are so many wonderful
non-profit organizations and candidates for election that I’d love to support
financially. Giving money is certainly
one way to be generous, but is it the only way or even the best way?
The dictionary offers several
definitions of the word “generous.” Two
are particularly relevant to the subject of receiving. One definition is “kind,” as in willing to
give money, assistance, or time freely. I
like the broadness of this description, as sharing our time and skills is often
more useful than money, such as providing respite services for a caregiver. I like to expand the definition even further
and include giving our attention as an act of generosity. Children and the elderly are especially
overlooked when they speak, and the simple act of really listening to them is a
wonderfully generous gift.
Being attentive relates to the other
dictionary definition of generous that is relevant here, and that is to be “noble,”
as in demonstrating forgiveness. Isn’t
it generous when someone overlooks a slight, gives us the benefit of the doubt,
or pardons our shortcomings? If we’re truly
attentive often we’ll recognize that the other person is doing their best. In reality, behaving with kindness and
responding with graciousness are two of the most powerful ways to be generous,
and they don’t cost a dime.
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