I have the urge to remind myself to give for the right reasons.

Charity – Generous actions or donations to help others.

Donation  An act or instance of presenting something as a gift, grant,or contribution.

Requirement – That which is required, a thing demanded or obligatory

There are numerous worthwhile organizations around the world, as well as in our home towns that we should consider donating our time and resources (including $$).

We should give because we have, see the need and now is the right time for us.  Not because someone has the need to make us feel like it’s a requirement.

Maybe I need to give more.  This is a question that I put to myself based on what is going on in my life.  Not something that I ponder because someone thinks I should.

I remember a discussion years ago where a wise man told a group, “We each give what we can, where we see the need and at the right time for us.  No one has the right to tell us exactly how much, to whom and when.  We can be reminded of the needs and rewards of giving, but if we don’t give from our hearts, this is not giving, it’s extortion.”

The holidays are in front of us. The holidays are a time when we generally discover that we have something to give and we see a need to do so.

Please give because you can.
Please give because you see a need.
Please give because you feel it’s the right time for you.

If you can’t give now, that’s OK.  You will be able to give something eventually
If you do not see a need that is relevant to you, look elsewhere.  A need exists that is relevant to you
If it’s not the right time for you now, please consider another time soon.

Giving out of guilt does not provide the mutual benefit that fuels more giving.
Giving from the heart creates rewards for those who receive and those who give.