When Giving Is Hard

When Giving Is Hard

Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:16

“I don’t want to give my toy up, Mom.”

My daughter said this as she was faced with the reality of leaving a toy that she had picked out for another child to receive. I stooped down next to her and looked into her sad eyes. We’d discussed how we were picking out toys for kids who wouldn’t otherwise be getting anything for their birthdays, and she’d been excited all the way to the store and while walking through the aisles. She’d made a careful decision about what toy she’d like to donate. All had gone well until we were at the drop-off site waiting to place her toy in the bin and walk away.

Sometimes giving is easy; sometimes it’s not. Sometimes I can know the reason to give is good and still have a hard time choosing to be generous. Sometimes I’m happy about giving, right up until it’s time to do it. Then I hesitate.

I told my daughter I understood her hesitation and reminded her why we were doing this. I told her we were extending kindness to others. I reminded her how happy the child would be who received her gift. I told her it’s hardest when the gift is leaving our hands, but she’d feel good once we were done. With a determined nod of agreement, she walked over to the birthday bin and left her toy with the others. She turned and grinned as we walked out the door, wondering out loud who the child would be that received her gift.

It may not always be easy to give things away, but when we remember the blessing it is to do good and share with those in need, it can help us let go of what we want to keep for ourselves. These actions are pleasing to God. It’s not always easy to be generous, but as my daughter and I are learning, it sure feels good when you do it.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Find one thing in your house you could give to someone else.