When we think of generous people, we tend to imagine grand saints, such as St. Teresa of Calcutta or maybe saints of love, such as St. Therese of Lisieux.  Generosity is a lost virtue in our modern age.  For those of us who lead busy lives, we equate generosity with donating to charity, especially during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent.  While this is, indeed, one aspect of generosity, it isn’t the full picture.  Rather, generosity is actually the brother of the theological virtue of charity.

Recall what St. Paul says in the famous wedding verse from 1 Corinthians 13:13, “These three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.”  Therefore, when we live generously, or charitably, we are exemplifying the highest virtue.  Essentially, we are reflecting God Himself, who is love Incarnate.

Living generously means that we live both intentionally and give abundantly.  This does not necessarily mean that we simply drop in a few dollars in the collection basket at Mass each Sunday.  Nor does it mean that we halfheartedly offer to help others when the timing is convenient and there’s nothing else for us to do.  Wholehearted living, generous living, involves a particular type of leaning into the Holy Spirit’s movements in our lives – which often occur at incredibly inopportune moments of our days.

But when we respond to God’s promptings in our hearts, we learn that generous living actually expands our capacity to give more than we thought possible.  And when we go out of our way to be kind to others, go above and beyond for them, our relationships with others grow.  Kindness often begets kindness, so you will likely feel incredible joy sacrificing just a little bit more today than you did yesterday – and you will inspire others to pay it forward.

Here are ten ways we can live generously every day, thereby growing in holy charity.

Give God 10 more minutes of your time.

Everyone is busy, there’s no doubt about that.  We can all make excuses about why we don’t “have enough time” for whatever it is at hand.  The truth is that we need to prioritize what’s important, rather than what is always urgent.  And what truly matters is rarely urgent.  One of those matters of significance is giving back to God on a daily basis.  This doesn’t have to be complicated.  Start with 10 minutes each day.  You can read Scripture, follow a daily devotional, journal a prayer, write out a gratitude list to God, or just sit in silence and bask in His presence.  But giving your time to God is the beginning of living a wholehearted, generous life.

Write a handwritten note or send a card to someone.

Seldom do people write handwritten notes these days.  Everything is done electronically for efficiency, speed, and convenience.  But there’s something intimate and special about receiving a card with a short note inside.  Everyone loves to get mail from a person who took the time – even 5 minutes – to sit down and write something thoughtful.  Again, don’t make this complex.  Purchase blank notecards at your local store or on etsy, and carve out 5 minutes of your day to write 3 sentences to someone you know could use a pick-me-up.  Encourage them.  Let them know how you are thinking of them.  It is a simple but profound act of generosity that is certain to make a huge and lasting impact on their lives.

Text your spouse and/or children to say how much you appreciate and love them.

It’s easy to send text messages, often informative, about where we’re going to meet someone or what time.  But do we think to make those connections a bit more intentional?  How often do we forget to tell our spouse and children how much we truly love and appreciate them?  Start with a simple daily text that says “I love you.”  Eventually, put some thought into it and include specific ways you appreciate their personalities.  You can expand this concept to friends, as well.  Everyone feels loved when they hear, “I am thinking of you.”

Donate the money in your change jar to a worthy charity.

Most of us have some sort of container where we drop loose change, maybe for a specific goal – like a vacation or special night out – but often without thought as to what that money can be used for.  Why not consider donating your full jar of nickels, dimes, and pennies to a local charity?  You might be surprised at how much you have collected over the months.  Sometimes the offering can be substantial.  Make this a family effort, so that your children offer their input.  Even more, deliver the donation in person and meet the people who are directly affected by your gift.

Search for opportunities to volunteer in your parish or community.

It seems the gift of our time is the most precious commodity we can offer in our world of busyness and frenzy.  Time is often considered a luxury as we hustle from one meeting to another, from a ball game to a business trip.  Why not live more intentionally and pause within the frenetic pace of your life?  You can do this without feeling overwhelmed by doing a bit of research on what ministries or community charities are in need of volunteers.  Discuss as a family your results, and then decide what suits your lifestyle and schedule best.  Maybe start with one hour per month, but make a commitment and be sure to put it on your calendar each month.

Ask the people you encounter, “How can I be a friend to you today?”

One of our societal clichés is, “How are you?”  Hardly anyone responds with, “Well, terrible.”  We all know this is just a conversation starter, but most people aren’t truly interested in how we are truly doing.  If we alter that question just a bit with, “How can I help?” or “How can I be a friend to you today?” we might get more honest answers.  Ask with the sincere intention to respond to the person’s request.  You might be surprised at how others open up and share with you what they are really lacking – a need that you can fill in some small or large way.

Shovel an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or mow his/her lawn.

For those who are homebound or unable to walk, it’s an incredible gesture of generosity to pitch in with seasonal yard work, even when you aren’t asked.  While you’re raking leaves, have the kids help by raking the neighbor’s yard.  Same with shoveling snow in the winter and mowing the lawn in the summer.  Add a special touch by weeding their flower garden or planting fresh blooms for a welcome surprise.

Prepare a meal and bring it to someone who is moving.

There are countless ways we all experience the stress of transition throughout life: moving into a new home, welcoming a new baby, grieving after someone dies, etc.  Welcome the new neighbor to town by bringing over a homemade soup or salad, both of which are easy, hearty, and will be a welcome treat after many nights spent eating out.  Find out about the funeral dinner or meal ministry in your parish and sign up to help out when you are able.  We often overlook the generosity of a home-cooked meal, when in reality it is a powerful gift that nourishes one’s body and soul.

Thank your boss or colleagues for ways they make your job easier.

We’ve all heard of Administrative Assistants’ Day or Boss’ Day.  Why not make a random, ordinary day more special to the ones you work with by sending them a card or some fresh flowers, maybe a plant or small gift card?  In the note, include how they specifically make your job easier, or ways you appreciate what they do for you and the company.  So often, employees get lost as just another number, but feeling valued for their contribution is both a statement of affirmation and a generous gesture.

Pay for the person’s coffee or breakfast sandwich in line behind you.

Wouldn’t it be a great feeling if you walked up to the barista behind the counter at your local coffee shop, only to discover that your drink was paid for?  Why not be the person who pays for the one behind you?  Maybe you are out to eat and notice how harried the server is.  Add a generous tip, above the customary 20%, with an encouraging note left on a napkin.  You never know how much small gestures of generosity can make a huge impact on someone’s life. 

How do you practice generosity? Share in the comments below!