We continue sharing more of people's stories about their Delight in Giving, as we move into the last week of our Stewardship Campaign. Here are some words from Rev. Janice Springer, one of our part time Ministers of Spiritual Formation...
"I remember an experience from years ago that showed me how much delight there can be in giving.
I was a single mom with three kids and I served a small church part time. There was not enough money, never enough money. We had given up luxuries; now we were beginning to skimp on essentials.
I had always given money to the church (and other organizations) as I had seen my parents do. Tithing had never been negotiable for me. Now I wondered if I could afford to keep that commitment. After some struggle, I decided I would continue my tithe, and trust. I’d pay the tithe first and figure out how to live on what was left.
My efforts to trust, though, were pretty wimpy. I felt sorry for myself. I was sick of worrying about money. I kept company with despair. I felt poor. Then one day, as I wrote the checks for that month’s tithe, my perspective suddenly changed. (Spirit at work….) If I had enough money to give some away each month, I couldn’t be poor! If I had enough money to give some away each month, I must be doing ok! In fact, I must be rich!
The financial struggles went on for a while longer. Each month, when I paid the electric bill, I shuddered. When I paid the car insurance, I practiced deep breathing. When I paid the mortgage, I craved chocolate to lessen the pain. But when I paid my tithe, I smiled. When I wrote that check, I felt strong. I felt safe. I felt powerful. I felt rich. Giving moved me from despair to delight. After all, if I have enough to give some away, I must have enough.
That perspective has stayed with me all these years. The money I give brings help to others. Giving it brings delight to me."
This is Janice's story - what's yours? Would you be willing to share it?
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