giving...

So lately I've been getting a lot of things given to me.
Firstly- I was given a book from a lady at the markets. This happened right after I bought a beautiful hat rack for a friend of mine.
Secondly- I was given a sweet little Kodak 155 Instamatic Camera from an old man at the markets the week after I was given the book. The camera takes 126 Film which is extinct, but I recently met someone who quite liked this camera, so I gave it to her.
Thirdly- Kim was given some beautiful 60's mod fabric and a dress I can only describe as the 'asian green butterfly'.
I don't believe these events are a coincidence. I believe in living a generous life, of late Kim and I have been trying extra hard to be super generous with our time and our money. We are both considered by the Government as low income earners but together we aspire to not spending money on junk and buy our stuff from thrift shops or markets. We've been able to have enough money to support missionaries and visionaries. We get a lot more joy from giving than holding on to things.
::morgan::

Living life a Christian is a hard thing especially when the Bible calls us to live generous lives. But I am constantly surprised in how we are able to live a life of generosity, and I am not talking merely tithing (10% of ones earnings) and not be left wanting.
When we were dating Morgan used to drive me insane in the way he would not pay money for certain things, and sometimes still does. His attitude was often considered (by me and others) as cheap, but really, as I found out, he was saving his money by not spending it on unnecessary items, so he could share it with others in need. This has become one of my most loved and most annoying attitudes about morgan, but none the less he inspires me in my generosity, to share with those around me.
Although it is not much, I love having people round for dinner, and treating them to a beautiful, sometimes gourmet meal (it sure helps having a chef for a husband). I know how much I value going to other peoples houses, and not having to cook or clean up and just being a guest, with one job to do, enjoy the evening. This is one small way Morgan and I try to be generous. Each week we pick someone to come over for dinner to treat them, but also as a way for us to get to know people around us who we don't know very well, or to catch up with old friends.
This is something I cherish a lot, and hope we continue throughout our marriage.
::kim::