“Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity I know that I am moving from fear to love.” Henri Nouwen
How many times are our days taken up by job or family duties, errands, and afternoon activities to only then end the night mindlessly strolling through our phone or watching the news wishing we had time to do “other” things? Do we take priority to set aside time to give to our neighbor? It’s easy for us to set aside time for a friend, yet having a conversation with the homeless person at the gas station requires more time and energy. I find myself often saying “when I have time I’ll do this…” or “Once this season slows down then I can…” I tend to get caught up in the busyness of life and miss what is right in front of me. I forget that I am to be a steward of what God gives me and freely pour out into those around me.
How have we received generosity from Jesus? Are we partaking in the generosity of the feast of the bride and the bridegroom the Son, with lost people? Generosity is an invitation to partake in the Kingdom story which is found in Jesus. It is by inviting people in with our time and gifts that we extend the invitation of Jesus. We aren’t to look at the older brother and try not to be like him, we are to look to the other Older Brother who did extend grace and generosity to our younger brother. There will be times when we feel tired or territorial with our time and skills but when we give freely we experience the love of Christ and His joy.
“The leap of faith always means loving without expecting to be loved in return, giving without wanting to receive, inviting without hoping to be invited, holding without asking to be held. Every time I make a little leap, I catch a glimpse of the One who runs out to me and invites me into his joy.” Henri Nouwen
Lillian Arjona Garzon
Community Engagement Director