A buddy of mine was traveling through Nashville last night and invited me out to dinner. What a great time and a great guy. As we dove into a deep discussion about life events and family, we stumbled upon the topic of generosity. We shared with each other various ways to show acts of kindness, and we were giving helpful tips on how to share with the ones we love the most, our families. Then he said something that absolutely floored me. He said that his father-in-law never had in over ten years bought a meal for him and his wife. It wasn't that he was unable; it's that he was unwilling. Based on my friend's estimation his father-in-law was very successful financially. He had the same job for more than 35 years, debt free and lives very conservative. Boy, I'll say. The way I see it is not conservative but downright selfish. I mean, what are you going to do with the money anyways? Here you are with no financial responsibilities whatsoever, and you can't buy your daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren a meal? I can't fathom this type of mindset.
What could we possibly be saving for that is more important than our family? I may die broke, and that's okay if I do, but I'm going to enjoy what little bit of success I have had with my family.
Listen, hadn't you rather help your children a little bit while you are alive so that you might enjoy seeing them benefit from your generosity? You might live to be 90 and your children 70. You die, and they don't even need the money. If your children, and I'm referring to grown children, are responsible kids, why don't you bless them a little? If your children are not working, lying around watching Oprah reruns, or are simply a deadbeat, I'm not suggesting helping them. As a matter of fact if you are, stop, you're killing them. I'm simply suggesting that your children need a little extra sometimes to get over the hump. What means more to you - seeing your children thrive and enjoying their family or adding another cool thousand to your overly stuffed savings account? You know right now if you're guilty of this. Be safe and put away an adequate amount for yourself and make all the smart saving decisions but please don't be so self-centered that you forget about those that are nearest and dearest to you.
It is such a blessing to be generous. Look down at your hands right now. Are they clutched tight and filled with resources you don't need? Why not open up and bless the ones that you love the most?
Live on purpose,
Aaron
