Who is Jenny you may ask? I don't know, exactly. I just know she was a woman in need, and one who was able to break through my slowly hardening shell. You see, I've become obsessed with money, and my goals, and all sorts of meaningful, yet material things. Yes, financial health is important, but not as important as a stranded daughter getting to the hospital to see her fragile mother. Yes we should be careful stewards of the things we are given, but being a steward requires giving it away when asked.
You see, giving is something I've grown less and less "good at" lately. Of course I'm still giving to those I know, but what about those in need, whom I haven't had the chance of meeting yet. I haven't been giving the way I'd like to, and I always find an excuse when the opportunity arises. I have a savings goal. My husband in back in school - that costs money. Taxes are due. Just let me finish building my emergency fund first.
I had a conversation with a very dear friend right after I met Jenny, because she is someone I look up to in the area of giving to others - I thought she would help me make sense of the situation. You know what she told me? "Giving is a sacrifice. It's giving up your morning coffee or that pair of jeans so that you can help someone else. It's not just giving when it can be recorded for a tax write-off." Thank you friend! And thank you Jenny. Thank you for helping me access that part of my heart again - the part that longs to give to others in a way that will make a difference in their life. Thank you for helping me touch the life of another.
