Generosity

Picture take from: http://middlezonemusings.com/2300/wilf-generosity-of-others/

I have been so blessed through my life by the generosity of others. I am not one who can claim to be independent, nor will I ever think that I got where I am by my own solitary efforts.

It is through the generosity of others that I have been able to follow my dreams in my adult life. When I think of generosity, I especially remember my two years on the road, living out of a van in the daytime and in the homes of strangers at night. What a weird thing to describe, but it was such a blessing to me that so many people would open their homes to my group, would feed us and bless us in so many ways.

The word "generosity" also brings to mind the people I have met while overseas. It is often those who have less than I do who bless me the most. It is the generous gift of their time, of their lives, or their friendships that has meant so much to me. I have met many people living in the "Majority World" who have so few possessions, yet have offered me whatever they have, both tangible and intangible.

I saw a woman I met in February again this weekend. She didn't know she would see me, nor I her. After talking, she pointed us to the nearby bookstore and told us to go grab whatever we wanted, it was on her. Wow. I don't think I have ever extended such a generous offer. Her generosity was in her attitude, as well, as she didn't do this to be thanked, hoping we would each pick one small item. No, she wanted us to go home blessed, and she loaded us up with items that would not only provide us with listening and reading entertainment, but would also encourage us in our walk with Christ. Her generosity reminded me of the many generous people I have come into contact with in the last few years. She reminded me of how blessed I am and have been.

Surprise Gifts

Today is not my birthday. It isn't even my half birthday. Today is a mostly normal day. I had my longest run ever scheduled, which I completed successfully. Then I needed to do the normal post-longrun things, like eat, take an ice bath, and stretch. I had class tonight, and I am going out of town tomorrow, so I had some packing to do and some class prep. The day filled up quickly, and I wasn't able to do some of the things that my mom asked me last night if I could do with her.

Today, however, she surprised me. She said that she needed ten minutes of my time, and told me that she and my dad had decided to buy me a special running watch. They had been in contact with a friend of mine to find out what kind of watch it was that I had wanted, and they were prepared to order it for me. So we spent some time finding it and ordering it online. I have wanted this watch for almost a year now, but it was a luxury I didn't need to spend that much money on. I had a perfectly good running watch and could map out my runs on googlemaps so that I new how far I was going...

What a beautiful surprise, an incredible out-of-nowhere gift. I am so super-duper excited to get it and play with it. This is a Garmin 405 watch which tracks my distance, pace, time, heartrate, and more. It will be awesome to know my pace, to hear a beep when I complete a mile, and to know exactly how far I have gone and how much I have left to run.

Yes, it is a luxury. No, I don't NEED it. But I am blown away by the generous gift (it isn't cheap). Thanks mom and dad!