But It's Mine!

 But, it’s mine!  

Mine: ˈmīn - ADJECTIVE 

• • that which belongs to me  

Have you ever met a toddler?

“Mine!” may be the first complete sentence they speak. With one word, you know exactly what they mean. No extra fluff needed in the form of nouns, adjectives, verbs or prepositions. “Mine!” says it all.

From our very beginnings, we feel the world revolves around us and our perceived needs. As we grow and mature, we begin to realize that we aren’t the queen of the universe. There are other people around us and they have their own set of needs and wants.

BUT…

The “mine” mentality can stick with us in adulthood. Maybe it’s because you had a difficult childhood or trauma that made you feel you need to protect yourself from other bad things that might happen. Maybe it’s because of other outside influences – your parents’ habits passed down or your spouse’s beliefs. Or maybe, you’re so overwhelmed by the needs of others and this crazy time that we live in that you think “I don’t know when the other shoe might drop and I’ll need what I have.” Or “What can my little bit do to help someone anyway?”  

"The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9

"Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Proverbs 11:24-25  

I have found that living generously brings freedom. It brings joy that passes understanding. Being generous with others is like being generous to yourself. You will be blessed when you bless others. I’m not saying that if you give $10 dollars that you’ll automatically have $10 boomerang back to you. But you will be blessed in your spirit for sure. And only God knows what other ways He might choose to love on you!  

Generous: gen·er·ous [ˈjen(ə)rəs] - ADJECTIVE

• • showing kindness toward others     
  • showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected   
  • synonyms: lavish · magnanimous · giving · openhanded · bountiful · unselfish · ungrudging  

What are some ways that you can be generous?  

Make time for others. 

• Have a cup of coffee with a friend that’s struggling – even though you already have a hectic day.
• Surprise your elderly neighbor by doing some yard clean up that they can’t seem to manage on their own.
• Tell your waitress what a great job she’s doing and share one of these “You were seen” cards with her. But still give her a tip for goodness sake!  

Volunteer.

• There are a ton of non-profits that could use some help. Currently, the thrift shop at our local homeless shelter needs helpers. Call New Hope Shelter at 717-762-5840 to find out more.
• Serve at your church.
• The Connection always needs more hands to help. Complete this survey to find out where you might be a good fit at TC.  

Give financially.

• Do you know someone that is going through a financial crisis? A surprise gift card may not solve their problems but it sure will give them a lift and, as the saying goes, “Every little bit helps.”
• God calls us to tithe. (Webster’s Dictionary says: Tithe is a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or for the support of a religious establishment.) Giving towards God’s work is a command in the Bible, but it is also a privilege. We GET to support ministries and sit back and watch Him use and multiply our meager gifts. (Did you know that, as a ministry, The Connection tithes 10%? It’s so much fun to bless others with these funds!)  

"In addition, he required the people in Jerusalem to bring a portion of their goods to the priests and Levites, so they could devote themselves fully to the Law of the Lord. When the people of Israel heard these requirements, they responded generously by bringing the first share of their grain, new wine, olive oil, honey, and all the produce of their fields. They brought a large quantity—a tithe of all they produced. The people who had moved to Judah from Israel, and the people of Judah themselves, brought in the tithes of their cattle, sheep, and goats and a tithe of the things that had been dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them up in great heaps." 2 Chronicles 31:4-6  

"'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,' says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, 'I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!'" Malachi 3:10  

I challenge you to spend time in prayer and ask God in what areas “mine” is getting in your way. Where do you need to let go, trust and be generous with others? Let’s release “mine” and choose a new word to live by:  

Share:  ˈsher  VERB

• • to enjoy with others  

When we share, we multiply our joy as we enjoy it with others. God’s ways are always best, never meant to shortchange us, but to enrich our lives as well as others.

How will you be generous and share?

Mandy Hood

Mandy Hood is a board member and executive director of The Connection. She loves to facilitate women connecting with each other and helping them grow in their faith.Mandy and her husband have been married for 41 years and have 2 adult children, 2 in-law children and 3 grandchildren. Every year, they look forward to GramCamp – three days of spoiling and fun.