The fall and winter bring about striking changes in the life of the poor and hungry. What to many is a wonderful change of season, to others is a challenge of survival. That’s why the Rescue Mission and other great food banks like Salvation Army and Emergency Food Network work hard and begin to ring the bell to let the community know that this is the season to clean out your canned foods, to donate to the charity of your choice and make a difference in the lives of those who are hungry and hurting.
But it’s more than just about emergency food, it’s also about what happens within you when you give. Giving builds an attitude of thankfulness. Whether you are giving just a few dollars, or doing estate planning, a car donation, or giving a turkey for Thanksgiving, or volunteering, you are developing a perspective of blessing in your life.
How and why does giving bless you? Why do we always feel better when we are serving?
1. Focusing on Ourselves is Boring. So often we feel lethargic and disappointed with life because we are focusing on our own problems and expectations. When we focus on serving and giving life becomes more interesting. You never know who you’ll meet and how you’ll impact someone else’s life.
2. Waiting for Someone to Bless You is Boring. Often we don’t feel gratitude because our expectation is that someone needs to be serving and blessing us. We wait and wait for people to notice OUR needs, take care of OUR expectations. BORING! Turn that around and give and serve others this Thanksgiving and you’ll be thrilled to see how great things begin to happen in your own life.
3. Hoarding our Blessings is Depressing. You can’t get excited about what you have if all you’re doing is trying not to lose it. That’s a recipe for a sad life. Instead, take the little you’ve got and share it with others. Almost everyone has something to give: Time, Canned Food, frozen turkey, money. If all you’re trying to do is hold on, your grip will get tired and your life will seem small.
When you start to spread your wings and get out of your ruts this Thanksgiving you’ll develop a a grateful attitude.
Hit the links of these great organizations and see who you can bless others this Thanksgiving:
David Curry
