Generosity

Have you ever caught yourself offering a friend something, that you'll buy lunch, or the loan of a favorite sweater, only to regret the offer the moment they accept? Too often we want to make the offer to make ourselves look good but we don't really want them to take us up on it, when they do we're left in a difficult position. Instead of offering in generosity we offer in selfishness.
Now some of you are thinking, "well I don't have that problem" and that's great! But don't let yourself  off the hook just yet. What about when it's things more important then clothes or a meal? What about something that you really care about, what about sharing your family?
Here's something I've struggled with bloggers, my family. They are the single most important group of people in the entire world to me and they are also some of the most loving and generous people I've ever known. I grew up in a home where our friends were welcome, if they needed a safe place to stay, a parent figure in their lives, some friendly advice or a loving hug our home was the place to be. I've always know that there was enough love to go around, but I haven't always acted that way.
Too often I invite a friend to "share" my family so that they can experince that because they don't have that in their own lives. At first things go really well, then that old green monster starts to crawl up onto my shoulder and whispering in my ear. Things like "what if I'm replaced?" or "what if they love him/her better?" Sometimes it's even "why do they get along with him/her so much better then they get along with me?"
Now believe me, I know how childish this sound but I'd be willing to bet that if you examine your hearts closely at least 90% of you know what I'm talking about. But here's the facts. That's not how it works!!!! Did you hear me? Let me try again, IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT!!!
My family doesn't dimish their love for me in order to love someone else and neither does The Lord. The more people love, the more that love grows. It's not a matter of either/or but a matter of growth. By sharing my family I am blessed to watch them love someone, watch that someone be blessed by them, and by knowing that I had a part in that. I can't be replaced and I won't be rejected.
Open your heart and let generosity in, chances are, you won't be dissapointed.