Cheerful Giver
Several weeks ago, my brother called me filled with excitement because he had something to give to fill a special need. Being on disability means he has a very limited income and he struggles accepting help from others. So being able to "give back" meant a lot to him. His excitement has stayed with me as I've evaluated my own attitude toward giving. Admittedly, giving is habitual. Paycheck arrives; I write a check for church. Because pay is biweekly, sometimes I forget. When I do, I find myself thinking, "I owe church." In other words, I tend to treat my tithing like a bill. Granted, there are other giving avenues. We support a number of things and I enjoy giving where I know there is a need. Those are gifts above and beyond our tithes. Plus I enjoy making and giving cards to people. But do I have the kind of excitement, that overflowing joy, my brother expressed? The truth is, we won't always feel joyful as we give. Feelings are always fleeting and