Spreading Joy
by Kellee Eavenson
I’ve been contemplating the last two weeks: what are the barriers to giving? There are the easy, knee-jerk reactions – I don’t have time, I don’t have the money, I don’t have the…whatever, really. The focus on “lack” is really what I’m trying to challenge myself to break down. Few people have all the time, money, and resources at their disposal; all of us have the choice for where we spend our talents and gifts.
I’m thinking more about where I DO spend time and money to evaluate if I am really spreading the joy I have in my own life. I don’t have any great answers yet, but I think if I concentrate on what I have and what I can share, I’ll be making strides in the right direction.
One of the most important things I can give is a strong foundation of love and support to my daughter. I think about how we talk and how we work through things very consciously so we are working through development stages and problems together. I don’t have the greatest family background myself, but in this season, I’m thinking more and more about what I can give back to my parents and brother to repair that foundation.
When members of our church went to help flood victims, I think about the sharing of that experience. What sticks with me the most is that it is really easy to pull back because there are so MANY problems; so MANY people in need. But if all of us started with what was right in front of us, we’d all be moving in the right direction. I’m thinking a lot about when I choose to give and when I choose to look away. I’m trying to open my eyes to my family, my neighbors, and local volunteer opportunties to break down barriers to giving.
Tags: Kellee
