I took the opportunity to look back at the two lists I drew up on March 1st and check against them how I am developing in having a more generous heart. Certainly I have been happy to share my creative skills with others: a planter for my wife (possibly doesn't count as I had said I would make one some time ago, cakes for others and another little project that I hope will be beneficial to some of the dog walkers in the area; made a small donation to a charity that supports prisoners families.
Also I looked at how I had been generous, or otherwise, with my time and emotion...
I have found that over the last few days my emotional connection with myself is more 'open', possibly even feeling a little raw at moments. I was moved deeply by the team prayers we shared yesterday in our office. My thoughts have turned frequently to my past when I was extremely selfish and hurt others. Lesson learned: don't act that way again.
Am I spending more time with others - not intentionally but the time I am spending is more intentional (if that makes sense!) I am paying more attention to the community that I am part of and today I am especially looking out for those from whom I am different: different faith, different skin colour, different 'style', different interests.
Always enriched by diversity I look forward to making some new connections and friendships that could potentially be longer lasting - I pray!
One of the important lessons learned is that even as I look through those original lists other things occur to me, other ways I am able to be generous - or withhold generosity. Equally I am aware that this is not a ticklist exercise, it is about a changing attitude to all I have and recognising that I only have it by the grace that God has shown me.
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1 comment:
Blessed to have benefited from some of your generosity with time recently and your openness to share some of your life experience.
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