Happy New Year

Like many others do at this time of year, I have been reflecting on the kind of year it has been, for me.

I’d like to say that it was a great year, but it wasn’t – not that it was an awful year, either.

Like most years it had its ups-and-downs.

I could list the ups and downs, but why? I’m looking neither for pity or praise. My purpose in writing these columns is to give my readers something to ponder.

Although I often use examples from my own life, and offer my opinion, it really isn’t all about me.

It’s about all of us.

So, if I had to find one word to sum up this past year, that word would be “generosity.”

Generosity takes many forms.

We’re all familiar with the person who is always picking up the tab at the coffee shop or restaurant, or who chips in more than others when there is some sort of collection being taken. Certainly, that is generosity.

There are other forms, however, that are less obvious.

There was a story in the media, just before Christmas, of anonymous donors going into several major department stores across the US – and a few in Canada, too – who paid-off the lay-away bills of needy families, so that they could have an even merrier Christmas.

Some of those families were so touched by this generosity, upon discovering that their bills had been paid, that they either paid-off or made a payment towards another family’s bill.

That is generosity.

We’ve all heard of the “pay it forward” concept, where people at the Drive-Thru will pay for the order of the car behind them. Even if it’s only a couple of bucks, it’s a nice feeling to have someone generously buy your morning coffee or your lunch.

It’s an even nicer feeling to be able to be the generous one.

Of course, we all don’t have the kind of money to be going around paying-off people’s lay-away bills, or even buying other people’s lunched for them.

There are other ways to be generous.

I led the worship service on Christmas morning at my church. I told a few stories of some of my past Christmases, and summed everything up by describing what I saw as the true spirit of Christmas: generosity.

The spirit of Christmas is something that, I believe, should be in our hearts all year. It is the caring and compassion that we show others.

It is donating canned and dry goods to Christmas Cheer, or to the Food Bank.

It is donating to clothing exchanges or other charitable drives that benefit those who are in need.

It is anonymously donating groceries and presents to someone who is in need, and is perhaps a bit lonely at Christmas.

It is volunteering one’s time for such causes.

It is helping a neighbour – figuratively and literally.

When I lead a worship service, wheter at my own church or elsewhere, my Invitation to the Offering always includes the statement “we give, as we are able, our time, talents and financial gifts.” Yes, churches, like all charitable endeavours, need money. They also need people to give of their time and talents.

Especially for people for whom money is tight, giving their time is an excellent alternative.

And it doesn’t have to be a church or a charity. Many people volunteer in any number of ways: sports leagues, community organizations, at their neighbourhood school, in nursing and retirement homes, at museums and art galleries.

Many of these programs depend on volunteers; there is no way they could afford to pay staff to do what the volunteers are doing, short of charging exorbitant user fess.

There are community organizations that rely almost entirely on volunteers: Sault Search and Rescue, St John Ambulance, Canadian Ski Patrol and the Red Cross come to mind.

Generosity.

Giving – whether money or time and talent – because one wants to. Showing care and concern for others.

Really… isn’t that what it’s all about.

I have given and continue to give as I am able; mostly my time and talents, but occasionally I am able to contribute financially, too.

Knowing that I have contributed, even if just in a small way, to helping to brighten someone’s day, or make things a little easier for them gives me a reward I find almost indescribable.

I have also, on occasion, including quite recently, been the recipient of the generosity of others. It is a truly humbling experience, for which I cannot find words to express my gratitude.

To everyone who is generous – whether through your financial giving or donating your time and talent – I say, “Thank you.”

You make such a difference in the community.

Wouldn’t our community – our world, even – be a much better place, if only more people were as generous?

But… that’s just my opinion.

Happy New Year!

~ David