Day #18: Give Intentionally (and make a list)

Day #18: Give Intentionally (and make a list) 1

When Stephanie and I first decided we would "give" something every day we thought it might take some effort, but we didn't realize just how much.

We thought we gave often already (maybe not every day, but often...) so it wouldn't be a big deal.

As it turns out, giving each day takes way more intentionality then we ever expected. It has taken us a little by surprise.

If you own a car, have a job, and live in America there is a good chance you have enough resources to sustain life and you associate with people in the same socioeconomic category. The needs around you are likely difficult to see - hidden.

This has been a topic of increased discussion for us: How does one give in the middle of LIFE?

We are keenly aware that making giving part of our lifestyle has to be more than projects with non-profits. In a lot of ways, our scheduled days with organizations are easier. They figure it out for us. We show up, learn, and help.

Tonight, Stephanie and I sat down together after the girls were in bed for a brainstorming session. We wrote down 30 more ideas for what we will do on the days when we are not partnering with organizations. We are finding that we need to plan ahead for the "real life" days when we are grocery shopping, meal making, house cleaning, working on business projects, etc.

Have you ever felt like you would like to give more, but you're just not sure WHAT to do?

Have you taken the time to write down ways that your family can give regularly?

Our family spent 2011 traveling the USA in an RV, striving to intentionally "give every day" for the glory of God. We interviewed CEOs of nonprofits and served alongside over 40 organizations and churches.

Our Pledge

We hereby pledge:

- To spend intimate, quantity time with our family.
- To actively help the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the helpless.
- To value, protect, and advocate for children.
- To de-emphasize the importance of “stuff” in our lives.
- To bring publicity to good causes and good people.
- To live with intentionality, as if this year was our very last.
- To observe the needs in our country/community – and then do something about them.
- To give – every day.

Copyright ©2024 · All Rights Reserved