I had a good (and long) talk with Bill this evening… It ranged from products, to values, to business, and so forth.
I think the most significant thing I took away was some dialog we had regarding a recent observation that he made suggesting that I might want to look at myself to make sure that I’m as generous as I would like to be (aka not “stingy”). It’s been something that I’ve been grinding on for some time now, and it was nice to chat some to ask clarifying questions about.
I guess the crux of the issue is that it all is within the spirit. It’s not so much the dollar amount, or the dynamics of the interaction, as it is that I want to give the other person the better part of the deal… To give them the better seat at the table, as John Maxwell puts it.
Bill was reminded of a story that I think of regularly… of Brad Duncan visiting Ron Puryears house and finding a Mercedes covered in boxes, and generally going unused. It still had the sale stickers on it in fact. As the story progressed, Brad found out that Ron paid full retail for the car and of course reacted vehemently claiming that was the wrong choice and that he could have saved money. As it turns out, Ron had a different view… “Listen here, young man. I live in this community, I care about my neighbors and friends. If you can’t afford to pay the retail cost, then you have no business buying it in the first place!” (of course, this is paraphrased, but it brings up a good point… We’re here to bless others, not to horde things for ourselves. The Lord is uniquely concerned with our well being, and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, than who are we to think that were are outside of his watchful eye.
I really liked some of the clarifying and repurposing questions that Bill asked throughout the talk:
So, if the spirit is really one of generosity, what actions will exist? Who do I know who I consider to have a generous spirit? Toby Coate? Pat Shier? Others?
…Let’s see… what else can I chat about?
Oh, regarding business development, (mostly through Heather’s prompting) I gave Christine (& Tim) a couple cans of XS for the vitamin B & folic acid goodness. She seemed enthused, and I’m really hoping for her sake that it helps to meet the needs… Energy and nutrition. Stress is a factor for her at her work place, and my heart goes out to their family while they are expecting a child soon.
Well, I’m thinking that some sleep would do me well. Tomorrow I aim to be the best me I can be. To give to others without concern for what I might receive in return. To be a man of integrity, worth, value, and love; showering generosity to all whom I come in contact with. I will be an excellent human being, giving the benefit of the doubt to people who I feel wrong me.
G’nite!
-cb