“Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others” – B. Bush
I have always loved this point of view, because it touches on a whole other aspect of giving, realizing that when we give, we are able to get outside of ourselves and reach out to others. When we give to others and look for ways to serve them, we are stepping outside of ourselves and are free to focus on their needs without distraction.
Over this past summer, I was able to spend six weeks at ZOE through an internship at The Masters College. ZOE cares for orphans and combats child trafficking on the frontlines. They have built a children’s home in Thailand where rescued children are housed and given a family environment, 24-hour care, and a life of wholeness and restoration. ZOE is fully supported by generous people from partnering individuals and organizations from all over Santa Clarita.
Being able to spend time at the Children’s Home, I came back home incredibly blessed by everyone that I met there. The ZOE family helped me to understand practical ways of how giving works and to realize just how wonderful it is. Looking back, it is so easy to see how freely they gave to my team and me. It was eye-opening and convicting. [is this word right?] Children who did not have much, gave as if they had everything. It seems counter-cultural to what I am used to seeing in America. Often, it seems that we are surrounded by such a plethora of material things that we tend to feel like we don’t have enough of, when in reality, many of us live with much more than we need.
As we enter this holiday season, many gifts will be exchanged. May we remember how precious the action of giving is—thinking outside of ourselves—to reach those around us who are in need. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. What joy it will bring!