The richness of giving

By Rob Hurtgen

Lounging and lazily watching TV with my kids one cold Saturday morning a commercial for a new show, which is a remake of an old show, played. "Ducktails" would be back on the air.

Soon I would be able to relive my childhood afternoons watching the adventures of Scrooge McDuck and the boys.

Scrooge McDuck, true to his name of Dickens influence, held his money tightly. He seemed to struggle in nearly every episode with the idea of being generous with his precious currency. Soon the anxious public will see how the remake presents these characters. I'm certain the one lesson of life will be there: growing so much richer when money is given away.

The Bible talks much about money and generosity. Proverbs 11:24 says, "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want."

The tighter your grip is on what you possess, the tighter it grips you. Life is so much richer when we hold things loosely.

There are three ways to live generously -- particularly when you have more month at the end of your money.

Give of your time

There are many churches, schools and organizations needing volunteers: people to read to children, volunteers to greet and help guests at hospitals. There are so many ways to volunteer your time. Time only can be spent and never saved.

Give of your labor

We have beautiful cities, parks, state and national parks. They do not stay that way on their own. It takes an army of men and women to continuously clean up after each park is used. When I run in my town, I am amazed at the trash I see on the side of the road. It will not be cleaned up by itself. Giving of your labor can produce a muscle tiredness that just feels good, a richer feeling with every ache.

Give your family

There are many children in the foster and adoptive systems that are looking for forever homes. There are many parents who desperately need a date night. There are many nursing home residents who have no one that visits with them, holds their hand or listens. Consider giving your family to one of these and countless other causes.

Giving yourself away may not increase your retirement portfolio, but it certainly makes life richer.