The Generosity Experiment: Day 16

Finding out what happens when you look for opportunities to give. To start from Day 1, click here.

Not exactly what I wanted to do on a Saturday night, but I had committed to doing a service project with the 9th grade girls that I mentor. I don’t think they were ecstatic about it either, but we held each other accountable and showed up.

The event was at the Boys and Girls Club, sponsored by a local church. The idea was that families would come and have a free meal, listen to incredible music and worship, and choose a toy for their children. This was The Great Giveaway.

Our job was to entertain the little ones while the over 500 needy families waited for their number to be called. They came with soiled and smelly clothes, most having their first meal of the day. Some spoke English others didn’t. Some didn’t say much, others were looking for a new best friend.

‘My girls’ were amazing. They didn’t see ‘different’ or ‘dirty.’ They weren’t taken back by what poverty or what a Daddy in prison can do to a family, but they loved these children like Jesus would. I began to no longer see them, but I saw Him. They were being transformed right in front of my eyes. . . and so were the kids.

The Giveaway was a huge success. More food and toys were given away than any other year. More families were prayed for and more connections made into this community of need. And we drove away thanking the Lord for our blessings and knowing we would never be the same.

I received this email today from one of my 9th grader’s moms.

[My daughter] enjoyed Saturday so much………….she talked about it for a long time after she got home…….she realized she is very blessed.  I think all the girls are realizing how blessed they are. Thanks for putting the time and effort into building these relationships………its so important right now. 

When I read words like this I know a few hours of my time are well worth giving away. I know the great giveaway couldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the ultimate Giveaway, that poured into us freely and we easily overpour to others. I know my heart is warm with love and overflows with joy.

By: Someone You May Know

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