Giving

It’s almost that time of the year again…
…when the holidays are coming and our company encourages charitable giving for the less fortunate. This year, we’re participating in a food drive for the Salvation Army.

It’s nice to give and be able to share what we can. Most especially during in an economy like this when times are tough and even we too (personally speaking) might need a little help every once in a while. We have to keep reminding ourselves that we are still blessed, very blessed with jobs, family, friends and good health.

I remember the good old days when I first got started there. There would be team competitions. They’ve hyped it up so much that the office ended up filling up barrels and barrels of donations.

I never minded participating, in fact I consider it a privilege. Yes it’s a little difficult sometimes when things cost so much nowadays, but every little thing counts. It’s easy to get in the trap of being competitive with other teams, but I guess that’s where common sense needs to kick in. We need to realize why we’re participating. Do we really want to help others or are we just going with the flow, or are we forced into it, or are we in it to make ourselves look better than others?

The bigger problem is how do you get other people to participate? Every person is in a different situation in their life and need to be approached differently. It’s not an easy task and I’m so glad I’m not in charge of figuring out how to do this.

Now, for something much closer to home…
How do you help someone you personally know who’s in a hole but is too embarrassed to ask for help? How do you to help when you really don’t have extra money to do so?

Many times, you can help without spending much and sometimes it may even be free. How you do you do that you ask? Well let me share a few things you can do.

1. Keep an eye out. If you know someone who needs a second job or a new job, remember to keep an eye out for opportunities for them. Maybe you have contacts, give them leads.

2. Couponing? Why not share your extra coupons to others. Also share other money saving secrets or deals you found.

3. Share your stockpile. Really now, we all have something we’re not using that maybe someone will find useful. Before you post it up on freecycle or craigslist, ask a family or friend first if they might find some use to it.

4. Share your skills. Can you pick up their mail if they’re not able to? Maybe they need help to learn how to use their email. There’s always something you can do to help.

5. Be a friend and be nice to others. That means don’t say mean things or gossip about others. They might have so much happening in their lives already. Just be nice.

At the end of the day, we are all individuals. We choose to do what we want to do. Not trying to sound cheesy or anything, but really, What would Jesus do?

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
~1 Peter 4:10-11