UGH! I hate regrets and luckily I have very few. In fact, I probably couldn't even tell you what they were exactly, but I know I've said some things wrong in the past. Things I wish I never said, but once said can't be taken back. I'm working on not being so impulsive when I talk, but this is an impulse I've developed over the years and one that will take a long time to reverse or to create a new path in my brain.
Those really aren't the regrets I'm talking about in this post. In Andy's message (part 6) on September 25, 2011, www.northpoint.org/messages/recovery-road he spoke about Entitlement or feeling Entitled. I've been thinking about this message for a couple weeks and today in chapter 6 of The Purpose Driven Life the same message appeared. The Bible verse is Luke 12:48b: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked".
I have been blessed with so much. I am not rich, but I have more than I need. My regret is, I don't think I've done enough or given back enough. I hope it's not too late. I hope I still have the opportunity to be more generous.
I've always been generous with my "talents" or at least in my professional life. I've devoted 20 years to helping nonprofits meet their goals. But, that's not enough now. In fact, that is one of the reasons why I'm searching for a position at a nonprofit and not at an agency or as a consultant. I feel I can make a greater impact if I can focus on one mission instead of six or even two.
I hope that God's plan is for me to find a position where I can put my talents to better use.
I don't feel like I've been generous enough with my money. I don't give 10% away to nonprofits. I'm generous with family, but not with strangers and I think that is what that verse is talking about. I give, but not enough. I hope once I find a new job, I'll be able to change that.
Do you think you've "given" enough? Is there capacity for more? Any regrets?
I think I have been generous financially, spiritually, and physically. With that said, I always feel I could do more in each area. For years, I was a Big sister for an 8 year Newburgh inner city girl. I gave time and care to her. I treated her to events that she would never have. We gave generously to her whole family at the holidays. Ted and I donate to several establishments yearly. I give my time to organizations in need of volunteers.
ReplyDeleteWe are not rich at all. But we can give freely and often it nis our time. I even made cupcakes for a fundraiser. I did not have to and I did not want my name attached for recognition. Little actions add up and are appreciated. I have lost three friends to Breast Cancer and raise funds for this cause. For me, the actions speak louder than the money. Ted prefers to give the money - it is easier for him. Bringing bags of groceeries to soup kitchen is good. Bringing bags of dog and cat food to a shelter is good. I have even paid for an older couples' dinner since I knew they did have much. I have paid for a older people's groceries in front of me in a line when they are short of cash or a card indicates no funds. I simply weep at what needs to done in our world. At worldvision.org, you can buy a goat for a family in a country and that goat will sustain a family.
don't be so hard on yourself. I am a very selfish person in my eyes!