Giving Bucket
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Discover personal finance articles on this website! Trevor shares his industry experience and knowledge through simple stories. May these short pieces encourage us to be better stewards of our resources.
A priest friend surprised me with a generous donation. We ran into each other at the campus gym. He was excited to hear about my ministry, where I worked with university students and shared the Catholic faith. I rather complained about my struggle of biking around the city to fundraise. He suddenly took out his cheque book and wrote me a $1,500 cash gift for a car purchase. I’ve never forgotten that kind gesture!
I was recently reminded that it is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). This is quite counter cultural. In today’s economic classes, we are taught that man is homo economicus: rational and narrowly self-interested. From this principle, it suggests that we will save for ourselves and give to others only if we come out ahead on a cost-benefit analysis. There’s not much room under this concept for giving generously with sacrificial acts of kindness.
My wife and I recently watched a moving story about St. Teresa of Calcutta. She taught for several years at a convent school, but later found a calling to work with the poorest of the poor in India. Her deep faith was remarkable. She expected God to provide for the rapidly growing ministry—funds came in from various people and places, including those she never personally knew. God provided for her work.
Like St. Teresa’s example, there is a great power in giving. When we give, our attitude shifts from “I don’t have enough” to “I have plenty”. It also dispels the lie that we “own” things in this world. Really, we are only borrowing what we have, for everything passes away when we die. We don’t take anything with us, but rather leave things behind. Whether it’s wealth or debt, legacy, or division, we leave behind a mark on this world. It’s imprinted in our closest relationships.
When my priest friend gave me $1,500 for my first car, I was surprised by his sheer act of generosity. Since then, I’ve created my own “giving” bucket. About 10% of my gross salary is given away to charities, friends, and family that need financial assistance. By giving part of my treasure away, I detach myself from wealth. Again, we don’t bring anything with us when we pass away. Why not give?
Please note that I believe in saving and treating ourselves. If we are able to cover our expenses, and we are saving for the future, it would be worthy to consider giving away some of what we have.