When I think about others in my life who are generous, I am instantly reminded of people who dedicate their time to helping others. Those who give their time freely in helping others in need are generous. There is such a need for volunteers in our own community and throughout the world and I am so thankful for the men, women and children who extend themselves to helping others with their time and service.
For some of us, when we think of generosity, our initial thoughts immediately are directed to dollar signs. No matter what you call it: money, moula, cabbage, greenbacks or just cold hard cash, the all-American dollar has taken over as the standard in which we measure value in our culture. Each year about now, we are faced with tax season when we review our assets and liabilities, our income and expenses and naturally are determined to increase our net worth while trying to keep our tax payments to a minimum. Our net worth is considered as a number and sadly, some people seek their own value based on that number. Regardless of the itemized contributions, when we give freely from our wallets to help others in need, we face another opportunity to be generous.
Did you know there are more areas for you to reach out to show generosity other than with your time or money?
The spoken word holds a monumental, life-impacting value too. The words you offer to others is a form of generosity. There is great power in our words, power that can help- or harm others. In recognizing the level of influence your words have, it is important to be mindful of the opportunities in your life where you can be generous with your speech. I’m not talking about the quantity of words you share with someone. Talking excessively is not considered a form of generosity. The quality of words you offer another can be an asset that is far more valuable than anything your accountant could measure and record for you.
There are many ways in which you use words to help better others. You may be able to help someone just in a brief moment of sadness or crisis he or she may be experiencing. You may also provide that person with just the encouragement he or she may be needing to change his or her entire course.
Hopefully we can all recall that special someone who believed in us and took the time to share their insight with us. My guidance counselor in sixth grade encouraged me to take better notes in class so that someday I might be able to design perfume bottles, a creative profession that I had not yet considered. That was just the nudge, the connection I needed at that time to get me on the right course and I am thankful that he invested in me. He did not receive any monetary return on his investment.
After all, that is what being generous is about, giving freely, without any reward or recognition. Are there people in your life who have invested in you freely? More importantly, are there people in your life today who you could invest in with your encouraging words? It may not take you too long to see a need around you. There is a need we all have in our hearts for words of encouragement. And there are moments in our lives when just a speck of encouragement is the spark we need.
The first time I realized this area of need was from a woman who I admired greatly. Although I hadn’t been introduced to her formally, I knew of her and she had many attributes that I admired as a Christian working mom. She had given a presentation at an event that I attended. Following her presentation, I saw her in the ladies room. Although she intimidated me, I simply gave her a simple compliment about her presentation while washing hands next to her. She smiled, gave me direct eye contact and politely said, “Thank you.” A few months passed when I saw her at another event. Someone introduced us and she smiled and said, “Oh, I remember you. You were so generous after one of my presentations.” I smiled, shook her hand and inside my own head thought, “I was, generous?” Since then, I have often thought of that interaction as it was very impressionable to me and my understanding of generosity.
The words that are the hardest to say are usually the most valuable. Words like, “I’m sorry,” and “I forgive you,” have great power when you set aside your differences with a generous heart.
Giving words of encouragement can also be misused just like giving money and time can be given for the wrong purposes. These virtuous acts can be devalued and worth nothing if something is expected in return. Giving freely is what generosity is about. Sometimes the measure of generosity is found in the sacrifice we make when we give to others.
Generosity doesn’t have anything to do with how much money or time you have, or how talented you are, the condition of our hearts is what determines our willingness and courage to give freely. When our hearts and motives are pure, and we give generously, we realize that our lives have great influence and purpose.
Despite the condition that the world and our own community may be in today, there is a greater need that all the money, time and talent can’t penetrate, won’t fix and couldn’t heal. A simple uplifting word has more power than you may ever know. I encourage you today to consider to reach out beyond your insecurity, comfort and fear and speak generously to someone.
Andrea Cook is a contributing columnist to the “Culver Citizen”. Entrepreneur, Toastmaster, writer, illustrator, fitness instructor, wife to Phil Cook and mother of two diva daughters, she has relaunched her marketing and design agency, The Midas Center located in downtown Plymouth. She welcomes your feedback and comments and encourages you to comment on her blog, “One Column At a Time” online at http://andreacook.wordpress.com .
Sounds like perhaps words are one of your love languages – mine, too! Words to people who value them greatly can truly build up or destroy.