going in circles

(it's a conundrum.....)

Going in Circles

Runners and other outdoor exercise enthusiasts face an interesting decision each time they head out: whether to go “out and back” or loop in a circle. The out and back route allows for a change of scenery and far less monotony.  The circuitous route keeps you closer to the parking lot in the event it rains or you incur some sort of injury. Passing your car every so often creates temptation as well.  You think about how nice it would be to just stop and rest for a minute…you have to decide to keep going pretty much every time.  Going farther out takes the temptation off the table and requires you to test your faith in your abilities.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

God often challenges us to move out of our comfort zone, to move farther from the familiar, farther from obvious support and out into the unknown.  We can’t count on friends and family to bail us out in a pinch.  We can’t just run back to the job or circumstances we left.  Instead we have God and God alone to depend on. It’s in these times that we are forced to have maximum faith. We remember where we began the journey and we understand the route we need to take.  And there is just no stopping until we get there.

Trust the plan and trust the planner!

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 40

Giving Quietly

(see the need... fix the need)

Giving Quietly

This week I've had the privilege of hanging around well over a thousand people dedicated to non-profit development.  That means fund raising of course, but also so much more. Lifting communities effectively takes hard work, vision, collaboration and a desire to serve others ahead of self.  The ones who get that right do amazing things.  Finding donors who value helping those in need over recognition is icing on the cake.

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." - Matthew 6:3

Jesus gave his followers an extreme example in this passage but it’s one that makes the point abundantly clear.  Our own generosity should be driven by a heartfelt assessment of need and not by vain ambition.  Tax deductibility and name recognition ought to be far down the list.  

I well remember the story of a philanthropist who made a multi-million dollar gift to a YMCA camp and used the naming rights to honor his favorite verse from the book of Malachi.  I remember also an anonymous person who gave a giant box of diapers to every expectant parent in the same organization.  

Perhaps each of us can find ways to model this kind of generosity in our own lives.  The out-of-work family you know could surely benefit by receiving a cash-laden card from an unknown person.  Perhaps a young parent in your office would be grateful to find a quantity of consumable baby items in their cubicle.  

The need is out there…just look for it!

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 39