The Giver

When I first joined Pinterest I would look at it during my free time. That would be after my kids went to bed and shortly before I did too. You know what would happen? My heart would pound, my pulse would race and my mind would run off in a million different directions with all the wonderful ideas I would find. Then, when I needed to be sleeping, I'd lay there wide awake unable to shut it all down. I'd be so inspired I almost couldn't stand it.

I find inspiration in other areas too, often times in the things my kids say and do. 

A few weeks ago, Tony had two prospective employees at our house doing some work around the yard. Jacob was outside with them all day, working right along side them. He thought they were helping him. You know what that thoughtful boy did? He ran to his wallet, which contains almost all of the birthday money he has received during his five years, pulled out a "dollar" and hurried off to give it to the guys to thank them for their help. A more generous child has never lived. He is a natural born giver, a trait inherited from his daddy. 

One of the guys came up to me later, me being completely unaware of the entire exchange (I suspect because Jacob knows I am a natural born miser), and showed me the "dollar" Jacob had given him. It was not just a dollar, it was a $20 bill. Although the guy was impressed with Jacob's thoughtfulness, he returned the money to me saying it was just too much to take. I thanked him and tucked the money in my pocket to return to Jacob's wallet. But I walked away inspired. 

And the inspiration? Well, it's a child giving out of a heart of generosity, regardless of the amount or the actual cost to himself. That $20 would have depleted his savings by nearly half. But to him, it was just a dollar. And the act of sharing what he had so generously? That's something that sticks with a person. That's something that is far weightier than the expense of giving. It's eternal. 

That is inspiring.