As I have mentioned at other times in our life together, I was made say “thank you” by my parents long before I ever knew the true meaning of gratitude. Why? So that I would know how to respond when I finally discovered that emotion on my own. Later I helped my parents prepare to file the family income tax form. As I was adding up my parents’ annual contributions I offered my dad some teenage advice: “Dad, if you would cut back to tithing (that is giving 10% of your income) we could afford the car I want to buy!” Needless to say he did not listen to my “wisdom” and along the way I began to understand something about generosity. At this point in Cindy and my marriage we have given away moneys equal to what our first house will cost us and I can honestly say we have not missed the resources we gave away. That spirit has also allowed us to join the “junky car club” who’s motto is “living with less, so we can give more.” Click on the link if you want to join as well. The following are my thoughts on Adam Hamilton’s chapter “Defined by Generosity” from the book ENOUGH: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity.

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