Why we give

I am fully convinced that there are no coincidences in life.  Most of that comes from my theological beliefs, but a great deal of it also comes from a series of experiences that God has placed in front of me in my 56+ years on this planet.  In writing this post today I offer these thoughts not as a method to tout my own interests, but I offer them as an example for others who wish to see ways to make a difference for things they see that need help in their own world.

In 1990 I had the opportunity to get involved with the YMCA in a community just north of Nashville, Tennessee.  This community had a group of leaders who charged our small group of volunteers to look into what it would take to bring an organization like the Y to the community.  Little did I know that this singular event would change the entire course of my life and my view of making a difference.

As a result of the volunteer experience I  joined the YMCA as a staff member in 1994 and helped open a new YMCA in Springfield, TN in 1996.  Shortly after the opening I moved to the corporate office in Nashville to work in the area of Human Resources for the Y.  From 1990 through 1996 I had the opportunity to work beside  a wonderful group of men and women, some with the Y and some as volunteers in the community, to make this vision become a reality.  One person stands out among all as the one who helped my wife and I develop a giving mentality.  This gentleman was named George Goyer.

George had been trained in the ministry and he approached his development work at the Y with the same fervor that someone in the ministry would use in saving souls.  I can remember well the many experiences and conversations I had with George over the years and he became such a strong mentor in my life, even giving me challenging feedback when needed. 

I left employment with the Y in 2001, but the lessons learned from the experience have never gone away.  Shortly after my YMCA experience I came to know the Scouting organization and had the privilege of working with both of our sons through Cub Scouting and Boy Scouts.  We were fortunate to have both of our sons reach the Eagle Scout rank, no small feat in a world full of distractions.  While both sons were learning important life lessons in Scouting I too learned a great deal about myself through the adult leadership programs provided through Scouting, especially from the Wood Badge program.

I offer these thoughts today to encourage you to find a reason to give.  The giving doesn't have to be solely in a financial manner.  As George Goyer so aptly taught me, we can give from our Time, our Talents or our Treasures.  I am fortunate to have given from all three realms to both the YMCA and to Scouting and I humbly offer that I have received so much in return for the little I have provided.

What is your reason to give?

If you don't know, you may not be giving enough.

Find a reason to give today.  You will be glad you did.