“For it is in giving that we receive”  Francis of Assisi

I have lived by this mantra my entire life.  The act of Giving can be your time or your treasure.  When you give…give authentically. Give graciously and generously with honorable intentions and with no expectations in return.

Sometimes my giving is random and spontaneous. Sometimes it is well-planned and intentional. I never judge someone in need. If my intention in giving is good, it is none of my business what their intentions are when they receive my gift.  It is between the giver and God and the receiver and God.

My favorite type of giving is when the opportunity presents itself when I least expect it. I make a split decision based on my intuition and never second guess myself. For instance, when I see someone on the side of the road or sitting on a sidewalk with a sign asking for help, I always give.  

To be perfectly honest, It doesn’t matter to me what they will do with the money.  It’s not my business.  I need to make an on-the-spot decision, and I don’t have the time or inclination to play “20 questions”. Once you pass the money, it’s out of your hands, so don’t worry what they do with your gift.  That’s on them.

Sometimes I will pay for someone’s meal or their gas. It’s random. It just happens. Most often, they are filled with gratitude. Even if they don’t appear to be, I am filled with gratitude.  And maybe they are too but don’t quite know how to express that gratitude.  It’s ok…if I feel good about it, then It’s a beautiful thing!  

If I read of or hear a story of someone in need because they are ill or injured, lost a job or their home or for any number of reasons and it stirs a strong emotion in me, I often donate to their “Go Fund Me” even if they are strangers. I am blessed with abundance and it’s the least I can do for someone who truly needs help. Again, my intentions are honorable and it’s a win-win if their intentions are the same, but I don’t judge.  It’s on them.

Many times, I volunteer my time for any number of situations, fundraisers, or causes.  When I find something which moves me or that I have passion for, it’s easy to jump in and help. If it makes my heart sing, then I give my time generously.

On a larger scale, I intentionally support charitable organizations whose missions resonate with me. One such organization is the Milwaukee County Zoological Society. We have a world class zoo here in Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Zoological Society backs their mission to “conserve, educate and support”. I have been honored to be on the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society for over 20 years, and I participate in and sponsor some of their fundraising.

Each year, they hold an annual “Zoo Ball” which is a black-tie event held on the zoo grounds. I donate diamonds and gemstones for their “Diamond & Gemstone Dig” where we bury these stones in a waist high sand box and attendees buy tickets to “scoop & sift” the sand in the hopes of uncovering one of the beautiful gems or diamonds. It’s the highlight of the evening and raises a significant amount of funds for donation to the zoo’s mission.

What is your philosophy on the giving of your time or treasure? I’d love to hear some of your stories where you’ve been moved to give.

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