Generosity Overload
Money…. We work hard for it. But we also chase after it. We strive to get more of it. Plus, when we have some, it’s never enough. Some of us hold onto our money tightly and others spend it both wisely and/or recklessly. If we only had more of it! What would we do with it? Would we buy a bigger house? Would we retire early? Would we give it away?
Have you ever stopped to consider where your money goes? Or what your relationship with money looks like?
For me, I’m not a spender. I’m a saver. My relationship with money has always been to hold it for the “just in case” moments. I grew up in a family without excess money but never felt like I was lacking anything. I’m sure there were times when I was jealous of my friends’ latest watches and designer clothes, but I can’t remember a time when I thought I was without something I needed. However, I knew when I grew up, I wanted a job that made a lot of MONEY, so I’d never have to worry about it.
When I graduated college and got my first job, I was excited to be able to support myself and made a point to save a good portion of my income. My goal was to work hard and retire early so I could enjoy life. I gave financially to my church, but if I’m honest, probably more out of obligation than any desire to give. Not only that, but the satisfaction I had from giving was more from comparison to others than from the gratitude of my heart.
Fast forward to a season in my life where the Lord asked me to give up the comfortable job and take a year off. My financial obligations still came that year, including one to my church from a 3-year commitment I made to a recent campaign. I had the moment of, “given the circumstances, I will not be able to fulfil my commitment.” BUT I felt like God was nudging me to follow through and trust Him. It was in that year and those that followed where I began to truly understand generosity and God’s provision. Time after time He provided when I trusted His plan, and the abundance at which He blessed me was overwhelming.
Through our generosity we get to witness just how generous our God is. I’m sure you have heard it said that you cannot outgive God. I’m here to assure you that you cannot. Just give it a try. Release the grasp you have on money, and you will find God will release the grasp money has on you.
This holiday season, I’d like to challenge each of us to reflect on what you are spending, saving and giving. Consider how God might be calling you to rearrange those numbers to show His power and glory! Then you will find the words of Paul to ring true in your life:
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Kathy is VP of Perishables at On-Shelf Marketing Group, a local broker for the Kroger family of stores. She has over 22 years of experience working for the Kroger Co. She was previously Director of Culinary Development where she was responsible for leading innovation and new food concept development. Prior to that, she was Director of Food Service on the deli/bakery team, where she was responsible for Starbucks, Sushi and other third-party relationships. She also held the position of Sr Category Manager for grocery and Corporate Brand Sr Culinary Innovation Manager, where she led innovation and strategy work across all departments.
Kathy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Butler University in Indianapolis. She has been named one of Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery. Kathy also founded a women’s ministry called Women in the Marketplace, Inc, a non-profit that helps working women grow in faith, build relationships and impact the community.