generosity

i wish i was more generous. generosity is such a good attribute. of all the attributes one can have, i must say, generosity is my favorite. anyone remember the four cardinal virtues? neither do i. i think one of them is bravery. i suppose i should look them up.

prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude. by the way, i don't know why these are called the 'cardinal' virtues, as i know they have nothing to do with the roman church's cardinals. they're simply great personal attributes we should aspire towards. prudence means common sense. temperance is moderation, or having self-discipline. justice is being fair and honest. and fortitude is being brave. but where's generosity?? i think it might be the most underrated attribute. i honestly believe that being charitable and having a spirit of giving is the foundation for lots of other positive personal qualities. it teaches you to be humble. teaches you to pay attention to other people's needs and to be compassionate. the world is so good when people give. it fosters a sense of unity, and pride. and joy! when you lend a hand, you inspire other people. generosity is a sickness! and you know what the best kind of generosity is? the kind that expects nothing in return. not this, i'll help you today so you'll help me tomorrow, nonsense. when you give, give freely. give with no expectations. "i'm glad i helped out because now you owe me!" isn't going to cut it. and if you ever feel like this, "i'm such a good person and now everyone knows it!" then you messed it up. instead, feel joy in the fact that god sees your generosity and is proud of you. if you’re crazy like me, just imagine him looking down and saying, "ata boy!"

what about charity? charity is generosity, but in the form of money. you know, charity used to be a stable part of people's lives. charity still exists nowadays of course, but how often do we do it? also, when we do it, is it really worthy of being called charity? i bought a pair of nikes a few weeks ago and at the checkout counter the guy asked me if i wanted to donate a dollar to the american heart association. i agreed and told him to make it five. he said, "really? awesome! i guess you’re good for the whole week then!" we both laughed, but as i walked away i had mixed emotions. i just bought an expensive pair of sneaks, just for fun, and he thought five bucks was me being charitable? "if our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, i should say they are too small," says c. s. lewis. when we donate to charity, does it hurt? are our hands shaking in fear as we write those checks? then we're not doing enough! easier said than done right? in reality though, give what you can, even a little helps. if i'm not brave enough to say, here man, $100 to the american heart association, that doesn’t mean my $5 isn’t worth something. it's worth a lot. for one, it will motivate me to give more and more. and it may inspire others. to the small audience who might be reading this, let's make a deal. this week, the first charity that asks you for a donation, donate a dollar for every year of your age. let's make god proud of us by being generous and charitable and thank him for his love and grace through our actions!

also, if you've never watched this show, please watch this before it get's taken off. if it doesn’t make you happy and inspire you, then i don't know what will!