The Joy of Freely Giving

It has taken me many years to have a more heavenly perspective on money.  I am still in process on this.  I have always had a level of gladness to be able to give.  But I grew up with a very limited understanding of money management and seeing money as a tool.  I have struggled with poor attitudes about resources.  It is a balanced perspective indicated in Scripture.  There is great wisdom in planning and saving.  The worth of investment and risk is Biblical.  On the other hand, a willingness to share and give freely is also valued.  Thus, it may be seen as a balanced or diverse outlook toward money.

Considering these principles, money really is regarded as a tool or resource in the Bible.  People understandably esteem it as security and place it above other priorities.  It is a major and "delicate" issue for most of us.  We all know of the saying, "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10).  When we are able to get beyond the struggle of loving money--which is a process, we can get to a place of just enjoying giving.  It usually takes time and practice.  To get started in this, it may hurt.  You may realize you are going to have to override selfishness...again and again.

If you want to be a giver, it will be a great joy.  There is something very good about blessing people.  I am still on the learning curve, but I am so thankful for what God has taught me.  This past weekend, the girls had a lemonade stand.  A couple pulled up in a pickup truck with two kayaks in the back.  The girls were charging 25 cents a cup.  This guy gave them a 20-dollar bill and told them to keep the change.  Jenn told him he didn't have to do that, but he insisted.  This act of generosity surprised me and made me think about giving.  Much more could be said about the matter, but it really is a way of getting someone's attention and saying, "I care."  And that is a way of loving your neighbor as yourself.

Alaska 2016 - This Time It Was Personal

I had a different and unique experience on this mission trip.  Having had some time to reflect on the week and to have a little perspective with real life back in front of me, God's blessing and beauty in individual lives rises up as a foremost effect in this team of people.  We certainly did work, and we had an amazing team with skills and a good work ethic.  We accomplished a lot around the property.  Yet in the testimonies I have heard since the trip, God was up to showing each of us His love and desire to change and even wow us.

Without doubt, we accomplished our goal of preparing Redemption for fish camp, and we blessed Rod and Teresa.  I am so thankful for that.  Above that, however, were amazing testimonies of redemption, healing, and extravagant blessing.  Kim speaks of gaining ground over fear.  Melanie was drawn fully in to God's arms after some difficult trials in life.  Two people were baptized.  Jennifer was given a precious time of rest she desperately needed.  Andy realized on the trip God was allowing him to check off a "bucket list" item by seeing volcanoes on the Ring of Fire.  For me, it was a time of redemption, as my dad was a part of the team.  In many ways, it is a miracle we could have this time together (and I don't say that lightly).  It is simply the mercy and provision of God.  For others, it was a special time with family.

While there are personal themes like this on most mission trips, the personal nature of these stories stands out to me.  It was a time of abundance and rejuvenation.  We were surrounded by overwhelming beauty, we enjoyed rich fellowship, we laughed a lot, we heard amazing stories, we worked hard, and we felt God's love.  Commit to a short-term mission trip if you can.  Start saving and trust Jesus for the provision.  You won't be disappointed.  It won't be easy, but it probably will change your life.

Note:  I will follow this blog up with a second response that details our work in Alaska and the progress of North of Hope.