Recently, Matt and I were at a store. On our way inside, there was someone outside raising money for a cause. I handed money to Matt, and he made a small contribution.

I asked him, “How does it feel to give?” He smiled and said, “It feels good.”

As soon as he said that, I remembered a story I heard recently of a Dad who gave his kids $200 for Christmas. The son was telling the story, and he shared how he and his siblings were so excited. After receiving the money, the Dad said, “$100 is for you and the other $100 is for you to give to someone who has a need.” The kids were upset but they held true to their Dad’s request.

The man telling the story shared how, looking back, he can’t remember what he spent the $100 on, but he can tell you who he gave that $100 to and the smile on the person’s face when he presented them with the gift.

I share this today as we are entering this holiday season. I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

May this man’s story remind us that getting ourselves things is nice. Yet being able to meet someone else’s needs is transformative, for the receiver, and for the giver’s heart. May we choose to be outward-facing this season and grow aware of where there are needs and give when we can. And if we can’t meet the need ourselves, we can direct the person to someone who can help and/or pray for the need to be met.

For when we are able to give to those in need, as we are called to, our hearts will experience joy in this season, as Matt did giving to the person in need outside the store.

With love and hope,
Shawn