Why give?
I have heard it said that it feels good to give. Maybe you know where your money is going, or you are glad to see it going to someone outside of yourself. We do get focused on ourselves, don’t we? The Bible even says it is more blessed to give than to receive. The bottom line is that giving makes a difference, in us and in others.
Learning to receive
I will be the first to say that sometimes it feels a little awkward receiving gifts. While I might be thrilled to get a $50 check for my birthday, and think nothing of having a little “me time,” I also struggle to receive something without the due diligence of hard work. I want to stop someone from giving if I don’t think it is fair, or if I am underserving. It takes effort and time to learn how to receive well, when appropriate.
Starting a nonprofit
When you believe in something so much that you just have to go do something about it, it drives you. There is no question that Scott and I needed to do something to help relationships. When we see the peril of marriages, parenting relationships, siblings and friends, we know there is a gap to be filled. But it is HARD WORK. To be fair, we were warned on the front end. We knew it would require diligence, determination, perseverance and a more-than-full-time kind of commitment to launch it well. But when it comes to giving tirelessly to this nonprofit, generosity doesn’t seem like the right word. When we give, we just feel…well, normal.
Giving Day
Since nonprofits take a lot of money to move the mission forward, it is natural that fundraising is part of what they do. North Texas is ahead of the game with a day dedicated to helping raise money for nonprofits. In fact, North Texas Giving Day is hitting generosity out of the ballpark with raising over 37 million dollars last year! It looks like they are on track to raise even more this year. They start with a good dose of bonus money from generous families and businesses, invite other to give “bonus money” and then it’s passed on to the nonprofit organizations. Wow.
Receiving donations
Asking for money to complete a mission is not the same as begging. Inviting others to participate in the work you are doing is not the same as mooching. We are doing hard work and we wouldn’t have it any other way. But since we can give, and many others give to make it happen, I am sure it is good when others can give too. And financial gifts might be just the thing they can give right now.
For more questions about North Texas Giving Day, check out their website and for fun you can check out the action under their hashtag #NTXGivingDay. Also, read all about how we will use the funds at Family Greenhouse.
Givers are partners
People who give become part of the action. They are part of the work force that gets things done! They are a legitimate part of the team because they are playing a role. When did we lose sight of the fact that giving matters? We all have a purpose in this life and we give in all kinds of ways. Each of us has a part to play and we all matter! Please know that we value those who serve, volunteer, pray and give financially.
Let’s make today count!
Today is a day that matters for giving (Sept. 14, 2017). Go to our website TheFamilyGreenhouse.org and a pop-up will appear with the link to donate. Or go to NorthTexasGivingDay.org and select The Family Greenhouse. Thank you in advance for giving generously and making a huge difference as we grow strong relationships.
The post North Texas: Living with Purpose appeared first on The Family Greenhouse.