It Feels Good To Help The World

As our boys’ 10th birthday approaches, I find myself reflecting on my time with them, and on what I’ve learned from them. If you’ve followed my social media during my time as their mother, you’ve no doubt read countless quotes I either found pure genius or just funny. 

So to commemorate, I want to highlight some of Max and Dante’s words over the next few days. I’ll begin with one from Dante that I caught myself repeating just the other day. 

This past weekend I shared a bag full of children’s books and the movies with one of my neighbors and also included a train set the boys no longer played with. As I was carrying groceries from our car a few days later, my neighbor commented on how appreciative they were, and that their daughter has played with the train set for hours. 

As I walked away, Dante’s words played itself on my mind, “it feels good to help the world.” Whether it’s his gentle plea to “please give him something (referring to a panhandler),” or to asking his teacher to set aside a plate of food for his classmate who was missing out on their world day celebration (due to a mid-day dentist appointment), helping the world can be small acts of kindness and giving.

“…and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:35‬ ‭NET

“…Freely you received, freely give.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:8‬ ‭NET‬‬

In Giving, I Receive

I once had an art teacher say, ‘everything you make during your first year will pretty much be worthless.’ Well, that did not fly too well and I certainly beg to differ. The beginning work you make or partake in, sets the foundation for what is to come. Each piece, the missing link to the next. Each piece, purposeful for the final product or the whole.

I have been reminded of that statement because, I have recently begun to work in an unstructured manner that is really contrary to my natural inclination. In many ways, it has lead to something purposeful that is not strived for. I have also felt led to just give away some of my artwork. I do not always know why, but it just feels right. The awesome thing, is when the recipient reaches out and clues me in on the why. Which, for someone like myself, is very important.

During these last few years, God has also been teaching me the gift of simply, receiving. It is something I struggle with at times and it has gotten to a point where it is like God just says, ‘shut up and say, thank you.’ So, in giving away my artwork, I have had some interessing things occure. I have been ministered to and even if the lesson does not apply to me at the moment, instinctively, I know it someday will. Through my giving, I have also gotten requests for commissions, love offerings and people wanting to sow a seed into my work as an artist.

So, I am recieving almost simultaneously; and for the times I am incredulous, God has just as swiftly humbled me one way or another.

Yes, it costs me something… time, resources, going on a lim, but I have learned, stalling or not doing it, is not an option. Many times, if I have not done so, God brings back that conviction or simply puts me in a position where I simply have to do it. It might feel like going against the grain but in actuality, it is the proper thing to do and God confirms that for me every time.

Maybe for you, it is not about giving away a piece of artwork, but about giving, your time, insight, an encouraging word, money, a hug, dinner, you name it. Any act or gift (however small) is purposeful. It is also nowhere as big as the release it brings.

Share with me how you have received in your giving, especially as it is the season.

Thanks for reading! Iraci