Give It Up

“He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”

• Jim Elliot

It seems to me that most people are born with one of two tendencies. Either they are a natural consumer, spending most of everything that makes it’s way into their hands, or the are a natural saver with a tendency to hoard (the Ebeneezer Scrooge type).

There is a third way.

Few ever find this path. Those who do, experience contentment most of us can only dream of. This is the path of contributing to others. People who live here overcome uncertainty and their fears about the future.

It takes more than counting donations to find these contributors. For them, it’s more of a state of mind than it is giving a specific amount or even percentage of their income. I think it’s that they’ve placed their hope and security outside of their money.

They are free.

Having a lot or a little, they’re able to take care of others because they know someone else is taking care of them. It’s my ambition to be able to count myself in these ranks.

For reference, check out “The 3 Circles“.