What we give away is more fun than  what we accumulate!

Last night there was a break-in of monumental significance. It powerfully affected almost the entire nation. While we were collectively sleeping someone came into our homes and stole an hour from us. It touched every life, but some more deeply than others.

Our government is already on record to assure us that the thief will be apprehended … justice will be served and the stolen hour will be returned to us once it has been found.

Obviously I am joking about the return of most of the country to daylight savings time, which assures us of having time for patio living in the evening at the expense of our children being sent off to school in the pitch dark.

Amusement aside, it’s amazing how difficult it is for many to relinquish that hour. They complain bitterly about it … worry endlessly about it for a month in advance … and struggle to find their circadian rhythm once it’s taken from them.

Giving things up gracefully has become rare behavior to many of us. Excess must be pried from the lives of hoarders. We’re skimpy with time given to friends and their needs. Charitable giving comes at the expense of denying ourselves the things we really want. Our spouses plead and negotiate at times to force a bit of time from our schedules for the building of relationship.

Would that we would hold more loosely to what we have. If only we would see our resources of stuff, time and finances are more enjoyable flowing from us than they were coming into our lives.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if the words of Jesus in Acts 20:35 were actually true? The Apostle Paul in a sermon to the church at Ephesus quoted Jesus as saying, “You’re far happier giving than getting.” (The Message)  And how in the world are to prove those words if we don’t try it.

This week, remember that it’s foolish to believe that you can grasp everything that comes within reach. And it’s deadly to attempt it. Plug up the outflow of any commodity of your life and the stench will become putrefying. Give out of a generous and thankful heart and the fragrance of your life will be delightful and satisfying to anyone who comes close to you. You’ve been blessed to bless.

And about that stolen hour? Let it go.

“It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything.

Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself.”

Proverbs 11:24,25 The Living Bible