Generosity

I am a miser by birth.

But I aspire to be a giver by rebirth.

I am learning to be generous.

God has given me several friends

     who model generosity well.

Generosity is one obvious characteristic

     of God's kingdom.

God generously offers us eternal life,

     and we call His generosity grace.

My pastor friend Chris Geeslin has told me

     about Bethel Church in Redding, CA.

          ( www.ibethel.org )

If I understand him correctly,

     this congregation tithes its income

          to the City of Redding

               as an expression of thanksgiving

                    and generosity.

When the senior pastor eats at a restaurant

     his tip amount for the waitress/waiter

          is the same amount as the meal.

This kind of generosity inspires me,

     for it seems to reflect

          the character of God Himself.

What do you think?