Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thankful Thursday

I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. Maya Angelou

There's an older couple near where I live....who made a fortune in horse-racing. They're well known b/c they give large sums of money to hospitals and nursing homes. But they have a stipulation when they give....they must be recognized. They want plaques put up in prominent places with their names and pictures shown and hospital wings to bear their name. 

One hospital had a statue built of them. Another removed the long standing name of a woman who had made huge contributions to the city. They replaced hers with theirs after the couple demanded their name replace hers or they wouldn't give to that particular hospital. 

Giving. I think it's better to give without expecting anything in return. To give from the heart. I'm grateful for those people in my world who give with no expectations of getting anything in return. 

-the director of a centre who's given me a platform to share my story and who gives so much to many in need. She's not building a name for herself. She just really cares.
-my girls who have discovered the joy in giving. My youngest recently asked if we could help out again on Christmas day and with Christmas drive like we've done in previous years.  "I love doing those things," she said. My heart puffed with pride b/c at 11 years old, she's figured it out....giving is the best...and the benefit...the incredible joy you get back. 
-My friend S. is one of the kindest...most giving people I know. I had no extended family and from the first time I met her...her and her family have become like mine.She's always been there to help me out and hear me out.....She's the total best.
-Friends T & G have a dream  to parent as many 'throw away' kids that they can.. They have two of their own and over the last few years have added four and still are open to more. They believe every kid deserves a home. How cool is that!!!  They're making a huge difference one kid at a time.
-the best....Everything He's given me......more than I could have ever imagined. Still He keeps giving me neat things....like you guys....and great friends.....and so much of life's best. The thing about it....even though He's never demanded anything back.....I want my life to reflect the ultimate Giver.....Him who'se giving radically changed my life.

15 comments:

Cami said...

AMEN for everything you are thankful for. YOu are so amazing - you know that right??

GOD is good ALL the time! :)

<3-Cami from First Day of My Life

Terri Tiffany said...

A huge Amen here too!~ Love that your daughters want to do that on Christmas!!!! Give them a hug!

highheeledlife said...

To give from the heart; without any expectations - is the best feeling in the world. You are amazing, not only for Thriving beyond the detour in your life and sharing so much to help others. But also for sharing with your children , who are already making a difference in the lives of others!

Extended (non blood) family, is family in every sense of the word FAMILY; we too share many extended (no blood) family.

Thank you for your wonderful post!! xo HHL

Cindy said...

Giving from your heart, you are beautiful. I don't wish to be recognized by plaques etc, and I sure would never want to replace anothers plaque...it somehow just seems wrong.
hugs to you and for all you do.

Wanda's Wings said...

Giving from the heart is such a warm feeling. You and your family are pure gold.

Ginny Hartzler said...

The bible tells us to do our giving in secret. I think this is partly so we don't give in order to get bragging rights. God will know about it, and that is all that matters for eternity.

Denise said...

Amen, beautifully said.

Carrie Van Horn said...

Giving without expecting anything in return is the way it should be....love this post Sarah!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I feel sorry for that couple. They most likely are giving the money away for tax write offs rather than from their hearts. Of course they want to be noticed because they are all about themselves!

Anonymous said...

It is more bless to give than to recieve and your daughters are but a reflection of your giving heart.

Debbie said...

What a beautiful thankful Thursday this week. I agree with you so much, too. Jesus said for us not to let our left hands know what our right hands are doing.

I think that sums it up so well. We're not to build OUR name. We're to build HIS.

Of One Heart said...

You make me think. Reading you is my comfort. I feel like I'm chatting and listening to an old friend- love that feeling!

Peggy said...

I agree that it's better to give without expecting anything in return. You shared some good examples.

Tracie Nall said...

Amen!! Giving without expecting anything in return shows the heart of the person.

Your daughters have beautiful hearts!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Amen! giving without expecting a return