What will people say about you when you’re gone? What footprint will you leave behind? What impact are you having on your world?
I mentioned leaving a legacy of generosity with your money. That’s super important because we all like our money, don’t we? And parting with it isn’t so easy. But that’s why giving it away to those who need it gives you that special blessing Jesus talked about. That you receive a bigger blessing by giving money away than you do by receiving it.
And for sure, there is more than money we should give away. What about your time? Are you stingy with your time? Honestly, I must watch it because I seem to be very clock-oriented. I’ve often said that I can give away money quicker and easier than I give away time. But forming relationships, mentoring and discipling others takes time. You can’t be stingy about your time if you want to be effective.
What I’m discovering is that when I agree to give time to someone else, when I know they need a listening ear and a loving heart, I end up being far more blessed than they are. You are more blessed when you give time to someone than the person you’re giving the time to. And for those of us who have lived more years than most of our friends—and I’m certainly in that category whether you realize it or not—you have wisdom and expertise to offer others who are younger. So, giving away some of your time to share your wisdom is such a blessing, and we need so many more people who intentionally do this—who are intentionally very generous with their time. It’s a wonderful gift you can give; you’ll be blessed when you do.