Generosity

“Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left.” Fulton J. Sheen.

It seems that we collect money and food baskets for many charities around us. Sometimes, it even makes us feel good about ourselves. However, I would submit that being generous is not only about financial aid. It’s about time. Giving time to others is quite the challenge when everyone is so immersed in life’s daily challenges. I have a family member who suffers from mental illness. Mental illness is not a fun sickness by no means, but patience and time are needed to help individuals such as them. There is support from the government in my area which is great. He gets a lot of free benefits such as dental and medical support. But what he lacks is someone to spend time with him. For quite a while, my family has tried to find someone to help him with the many daily tasks he might have. Unfortunately, to find someone to be of some sort of help is not so easy. We have not given up hope.

Before the pandemic, my house was a revolving door. People would stop by often. Much of that has changed over the course of the pandemic and many people have withdrawn from society. Many people prefer to work at home and not venture out really anywhere. People might even order a cup of tea through Uber just to avoid leaving the house. It is uncanny why we have become an isolated society but that seems to be the effects of two years or so of pandemic life. 

Thinking About Generosity

Where I do charitable work, one volunteer has Down’s Syndrome. This person is a constant reminder of God’s tenderness towards us. This person works very hard at my place of volunteer work and is always ready to contribute in some way. This is remarkable to watch. “Consider God’s generosity towards you rather than your own unworthiness in his sight, and live in His strength, rather than in the thoughts of your own weakness.” said St Vincent de Paul. Watching others help others is a sight to behold. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family where generosity was commonplace. I did not know when I was young how important it is, but I do realize it now. We can give without counting the costs.

“Joy is a sign of generosity. When you are full of joy, you move faster, and you want to go about doing good to everyone.” Mother Teresa. When I was young, I would get tired just watching my mom help others. She always had time to give to the Church, to the neighbours and to family. Generosity and kindness can be contagious. A person will never forget kindness. Yes, it is tiring to help someone in need and it can be a bother. However, it is not impossible. 

Another Example

Recently, my parents were visiting from another city, and I happened to be invited to a dinner. I did not know these people all that well, but I accepted the invitation on the condition that I could bring my parents. The door was wide open, and  my parents were welcomed with great hospitality. Maybe it helped that our contribution to the dinner was delicious but, still, it was a pleasure to see the kindness in that dinner. We didn’t stay long but I was happy when I left. I wasn’t happy because of the dinner (although it was great) but I was happy because of the kindness being shown to my family.

“Remember when you leave this earth, you can take nothing with you that you have received, only what you have given: A heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage,” said St. Francis of Assisi. We need to be reminded of this often. The tender gaze that Christ had for his apostles and for his disciples is beautiful to read about and I never get bored of those events. Christ had such an immense tenderness for those who approached him in humility. I want to follow that example, but I fail so often. When I visit the nuns of the Carmelite cloister, the first thing they do after they greet me is offer me a coffee. They live a contemplative life, yet, they have time to talk to me. This is charity to me.

Final Thoughts

“With Him, no goal is impossible and even a small act of generosity grows and can lead to change,” said Pope Saint John Paul II. The small acts of kindness can do great things and move hearts. The Lord gives us strength to endure. He is the one who can warm our hard hearts. “We cultivate a very small field for Christ, but we love it, knowing the God does not require great achievements but a heart that holds back nothing for self,” said St. Rose Phillippine Duschesne. Just to live a small percentage of that generosity would be an accomplishment for me. We need to begin where we are and in the reality of our everyday circumstances. 

Often, I wonder where I could contribute more. I participate in parish life, work as a catechist and I read at mass. But these are not such great things to do. Often, I wish I could do some great act or begin some sort of grandiose project, but then I am reminded to be humble in my work. “The more you give to our Lord, the greater blessings you will receive,” said St. Vincent de Paul. We need to be reminded of this every moment. Prayer, obedience and gratitude are a part of that reminder.