Generosity will beautify your soul

" … God loves a cheerful giver"

- 2 Corinthians 9:7

My husband shared a story with me he read about a man who gave $1,000 at a drive-up window to pay for other patrons' meals.

I shared with him that, a few years ago, a friend of mine told me her daughter was the recipient of the same act. When she pulled up to the drive-through window she expected to pay for her meal. Instead, the cashier informed her that her meal was paid for by the person in front of her.

We were both blessed by hearing of the creative acts of generosity.

Most people hearing this story might think how nice it would be to have their meal paid for; however, what about paying for another's meal, or even a cup of coffee? Such an act of kindness breaks the habit of our self-centered nature.

If you want to be beautiful, a generous act is a way to beautify your soul.

Many of us can be generous to a friend or family member, and we should. But what about these people who gave anonymously. It's one thing to give to someone who will thank us, it's another to give just as a joyous act of giving.

We shouldn't always give expecting something in return. That's not really generosity. Besides, God will find a way to repay our gift.

Sometimes we lack giving because we don't want others to take advantage of us. It's wise that we don't cause someone to become lazy or misguided, but we don't always have to deserve it.

Other times, we think a person can afford whatever they want so we don't bother. Even someone who can afford to buy something for themselves enjoys receiving a present.

Sometimes we hold back from giving because we can't give something big or expensive. Remember, it's the thought that counts.

People are drawn to us when we give. If we can't give money, we can give quality time or a helping hand when someone is in need. A smile is a gift of encouragement to someone who is down.

Let's each of us take a moment and think how we might give in a creative way. If we all challenge ourselves to be a cheerful giver, what a better place the world would be.

• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She will be speaking at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach. She is available to speak to your group or event. Contact her at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.