With February comes talk of love and romance. Hearts, chocolates and wine are practically shoved in our faces in grocery store displays, online ads and social media.
But I’ve noticed something.
The focus on the “love” of Valentine’s Day is so often self-centered.
“What will he get me?”
“How will she show her affection?”
“Where will he take me to eat?”
I want to challenge you to go beyond what you can get. Life and love are much more rewarding when we focus on what we can give. Jesus Himself is quoted in Acts 20:35 as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Let’s look at three attributes of a giver and how we can imitate them.
The heart of a giver knows that she has all she needs and more. Realizing that she has plenty, she sets her mind toward helping others who are less fortunate.
Perhaps it is volunteering for a cause close to her heart. It may take the form of donating canned goods to a food pantry or watching her neighbor’s kids after school for a few hours because their mom works two jobs and can’t be home.
It can even be as simple as listening carefully in each conversation and actively recalling what is said with the intent to bless by following up with an encouraging word.
Many of us have all of our needs met, plus some. The challenge is identifying how we can use our abundance, whether financial, time, emotional, or otherwise, to be a blessing to someone else.
Have you ever heard someone say, “I’ll ask Dave for that. He owes me a favor anyway.”
I have, and that mindset always puzzles me. On one hand, it makes sense if you’re highly ambitious, “going places,” and eager to climb a societal ladder.
But in the giver economy, it’s a head-scratcher. You see, someone who gives from the heart doesn’t do it calculatedly, expecting a tit-for-tat return on their investment. They give out of a genuine desire to help someone else.
Sure, there are instances where others may take advantage of a giver, and a big pile of favors may warrant some reciprocation from time to time. But the type of giver I aspire to be, which I’ve seen modeled so often, has no ulterior motive in their giving.
That’s what I consider a genuine giver.
As we outlined earlier, the heart of generosity can express itself in many ways. It isn’t strictly about giving financial gifts. It’s so much more than that.
Being a giver at its basic level means sharing your gifts with the world. Artists share their gifts through crafts, songs, writing, music, film, etc.
Some contribute financially to causes, while others volunteer or accept low-paying jobs out of a passion for the subject matter.
Still, others who have achieved much in their career invest in those coming up behind them through mentorship and encouragement.
I heard recently of an influential author who poured his enthusiasm and talent into budding authors who have since become well-known. Sadly, he passed away recently. But his legacy of giving was evident in the many respected figures who shared detailed accounts of how he encouraged them when they started and along their journey.
That is the kind of giver I aspire to be. What about you?
Conclusion
As we make our way through February, the month of love and Valentine’s Day, my challenge is to think of how you can focus on giving rather than receiving. Not just in February but every month after that.
The spirit of giving is the inspiration behind my Giver card wristlet. It’s the mission I hold for my life and business. I hope yours is focused on generosity, too!
What’s a meaningful way you’ve seen someone be generous? I’d love to hear in a comment.
Thank you for reading!