Generous

I pray for an open heart to not only give love but to receive it as well.

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Living in a rural community is a blessing. However, one week, we ran into a snag. Our bus driver got ill, and there was no one to fill in, so we had to drive our kids to school. It may not be a crisis, but this is a challenge for parents who work and the extra half an hour of driving to and from the middle school (13 miles away, 17 minutes go time). 

I quickly reached out to a single mother I know who works in law enforcement. We made our arrangements, and I drove her boys a couple of days, which helped. She, in turn, offered to drive my two on Friday. 

It took everything in me to accept her kindness and generous offer. When I peer into the situation, I know it is good that we take turns, which is common sense. However, for years now, I have struggled to accept help from others. Why? I cannot explain.

In being forced into raising my grandkids, many people shower me with love and generous offers to help in many capacities. As I type today, I can’t think of one time I accepted. Today, I did (kind of). She took my grandson to the middle school with her boys, but I chose to drive my granddaughter to the elementary school. To have her take both felt wrong somehow.

We live in a time when hearts are a bit darker. Still, when we look closer, we see the multitude that lives in love, care, compassion, and giving: people who will stop everything to help a stranger or a neighbor. I grew up in a close-knit neighborhood. But for me, as a survivor of abuse, I struggle to trust people outside of very few family members and friends. I don’t want to ‘owe’ anyone. Owing was the theme of my childhood, and the evil in my life. 

I realize I am stuck in a piece of my past. Am I hindering the gift of generosity the Lord has placed in others? Or the blessings He intentionally showers on me? All because long ago, one person made my entire existence something I owed him?  A burden no child should ever know.

I pray for an open heart to not only give love but to receive it as well. May I not live in fear but see God working in my life through the support and care from others. May we all be the light in a dark world illuminated by the heart of Jesus. 

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV

 

 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Authentic Truths

Featured Image by Couleur from Pixabay

The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Lisa Wenninger is a speaker, writer, podcaster, and Kingdom Winds Collective member. She currently manages a local church with a family of believers she loves. Lisa enjoys volunteering as a Stephen Minister and being able to walk alongside others in their time of need. She is an animal lover (former assistant to the director at this fantastic location), a beach enthusiast, and enjoys hiking, museums, and eating out. Fun fact - she loves to sing but says that you don’t want to hear her do it.

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