I have great excitement and anticipation as this holiday season approaches. It will certainly be different than other years. However, as always, I am eager to share this time of year with my family. It is also the time of year when we pay a little more attention to the idea of generosity and generous living. But what does true generosity in a home look like? I’ll admit I am easily lured into the idea that generosity means money and things. Already I am thinking about what presents to buy for the kids and how we can shower our love on them in that way.  (A bigger lego set? Yes! More doll accessories? Of course! The largest stuffed unicorn ever made? Sold!) 

God calls us to generous living. And, if our homes, centered on Jesus, are the epicenters of an active faith life, then that generous living should begin in our homes. How then, might we begin to live with great generosity in our homes? Is there a way for me to be abundantly generous with my kids without buying out Target? How did Jesus model a generous lifestyle? Here are some of the things that I noticed as Jesus lived life with generosity:

• Jesus was generous with his TIME.
• Jesus showed GRACE abundantly.
• Jesus allowed ACCESS to himself and his whole life.
• Jesus left a LEGACY of faith.
• Jesus eagerly MET NEEDS.

As I reflect on those things, I am left to ask myself the following:

• Am I generous with the time (undistracted, fully present time) that I give my family? Or, do I let material things and the busyness of life take the place of the time I should be investing in them?
• Am I quick to show grace to the others in my home?
• Do I allow Micah and the kids full access to myself, or do I let other things have more priority?
• What legacy am I leaving Oliver and Eliza? Am I generous with how I teach and equip my children to follow Jesus? Am I pursuing a faith life that I want my son and daughter to replicate?
• Do I seek to know my community and the needs of others? Am I ready to help meet those needs as God prompts? Do I invite my children to participate alongside of me as I care for others in my community?

Jesus’ generosity was an investment in others and in the Kingdom. His wasn’t an investment in earthly things that are broken and destroyed, but instead it was generosity that allowed for the growth and blessing of His people and God’s Kingdom. This Thanksgiving and Christmas, I am eager to let Jesus guide my generosity. How are you practicing generous living in your home? What creative ways are you finding to invest in those in your home and in God’s Kingdom? Share your stories with me at [email protected].