Overwhelmed by Generosity

I found myself tearing up today. And I was a little caught off guard by it. We decided this year, with Bennett's willing consent, that instead of Bennett receiving gifts from his friends who came to his birthday party, we would ask them to bring items for charity instead. This was certainly not an original idea on our part. Not only have I read about this on the internet many times, but we attended a party that was done this way just a few months ago. I was really touched by the idea and immediately wanted to try it out.

We decided to ask for basic necessities for the men at the Brother Bryan Mission in downtown Birmingham. This is a ministry that our church Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church is heavily involved in and I coordinate one of the ministries that we do for them. Bennett has been there on numerous occasions with Shane and we've talked many times about why the men are there, what the mission does for them and why we are so blessed in our own lives. So Bennett had a connection to this ministry and liked this idea.

Today, I was sorting the items before we deliver them tomorrow and as I began pulling items out of the dollar general sacks and gift bags, I was truly overwhelmed. We had nearly 25 toothpastes and toothbrushes, well over 30 deodorants, tons of travel sized soap, shampoo, etc., many underwear, tshirts, & socks and many other items. What generous friends we have!

The good this will do men who enter a mission, often with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, compared to numerous toys that would have given my child momentary pleasure is just beyond my comprehension. I'm struck by how this has spoken to me on many levels. I'm excited about the talks Bennett and I have had and will have tomorrow on delivery day that are opening his eyes to the need for and joy in living a generous life. I'm also touched that this could have (and from talks & notes we received I know it's happened) helped other parents have teachable moments with their kids as they attend our party and have an opportunity to give to those in need. Not to mention the blessing it is for those at Brother Bryan.

I hope this post doesn't ring of "Yea for me!" because I truly praise God for this idea, for opening my heart to seeking out more opportunities to give of myself and our family's resources and for showing me the many ways this simple decision to change something traditional into something meant for the good of others can affect lives. One family let us know that their kids want to start doing this at their parties from now on. What an awesome trend that could be if it caught on!

I'm proud of Bennett for sacrificing some fun on his birthday for the benefit of those in need. I hope that his heart for others would grow as he grows older and that we would consciously nurture the virtue of generosity in him.