The beauty of generosity is that it can be explored and experienced in so many simple, everyday ways. One idea I have practiced that brings so much joy in my own life is mastering the art of giving tips. Every once in a while, when it feels right, I will leave a tip that’s larger than the bill.
I was at my local grocery store and got in line to pay. I was the third person for a moment I thought about moving over to another lane because the store actually wasn’t busy but decided not to. So I put my items on the counter and noticed the little girl off to the side, she had pushed the button on a toy and it started dancing. Once the toy stopped I noticed that the cashier was telling her mom that her card had insufficient funds.
Food is such a powerful force. It is something so many have plenty of, but others find scarce. If we choose to be generous, it is so easy to share and it can meet a need immediately. You can buy a meal for someone in need, share your groceries, or pay for another person while eating out. Enjoy how creatively you can be generous when you use food!
The high school I teach at has a motto of “As One.” Every year, our high school has a contest to see which class can collect the most cans or non-perishable food items to feed people in our own community over the Christmas break…kids who otherwise would not eat because school isn’t open to feed them breakfast and lunch. I have never been one to want to win a contest about giving to others, so I opted to share my heart with my students.
My husband, our almost two year old son and I went out to dinner—something we don’t often get to do. It was nice to go out and spend some time together and not have to worry about cooking, cleaning up, etc. Our son is very cute…at least in my opinion…but also tends to like to get the attention of those around us!!
My husband and I love going out for dinner with my best friend and her husband, and tonight we went to Bonefish Grill for a couple’s night out. Toward the end of our meal, we were talking about how a stranger blessed my family at Carrabba’s a few weeks ago by paying our more than $300 check and how, since then, we’ve been looking for a way to “give it forward.”
I was at my local grocery store and got in line to pay. I was the third person for a moment I thought about moving over to another lane because the store actually wasn’t busy but decided not to. So I put my items on the counter and noticed the little girl off to the side, she had pushed the button on a toy and it started dancing. Once the toy stopped I noticed that the cashier was telling her mom that her card had insufficient funds.
I decided to buy the couple’s lunch behind me in line at Moe’s today.Not a huge deal, I just asked the lady at the counter to tack their bill onto mine. It was simple and they had no idea! The couple went on and on about how they couldn’t believe someone had bought their meal! They were confused and as the waitress said “so incredibly happy!”
Food is such a powerful force. It is something so many have plenty of, but others find scarce. If we choose to be generous, it is so easy to share and it can meet a need immediately. You can buy a meal for someone in need, share your groceries, or pay for another person while eating out. Enjoy how creatively you can be generous when you use food!
Commencement speeches are full of advice for new grads, "Put on sunscreen. Lean in. Say yes!" Some speeches share career tips while others preach "Oh the places you'll go." While these messages are important and inspirational, I think there is a secret to success for each and every graduate that brings far greater joy than they have yet to imagine. Live for others and you will accomplish your wildest dreams.
Research shows that people who are more generous are healthier and more successful in their careers and with relationships. Living generously fills your life with joy and purpose and is actually simple once you open your heart. People who are generous in the workplace advance further and often make more money.
There's a catch. The kind of generosity I'm talking about is not "pay it forward" because someone was kind to you, the kind I'm talking about is being available and excited to meet the needs of others when it's your idea. Seek people that you can serve, with your words, time, energy, thought, things, money and so much more.
You! Yes I'm talking to you! You can accomplish great things in your life both professionally and personally. The world is your oyster, Oh the places you'll go! Be sure as you're going wherever it is you will go, you look out for those who you can bless. In the end, you'll also be blessing yourself.
