The Secret of Big Returns
Remember that the person who plants small will have a small crop; one who plants many seeds will have a large crop. You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
The four –part series entitled “T3: The Secret of Big Returns” just ended last Sunday. Just like all the other series I’ve completed before, I feel so much blest with this talk. It made me see “giving” in a whole new sense. It made me more generous without waiting for anything in return. T3 tells about giving your ALL to God, not just a portion of yourself but the WHOLE you. Giving back to God does not only entail giving our “coins” during mass offering, but offering to Him a total package – our time, talent and treasure.
After this series, I had to examine myself. Am I giving my all to God?
Time
Every Moment is God’s Moment
Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise. Psalm 90:12How are we spending our time here on Earth? I often complain about not having enough time to do the things I want. If only I could stretch the day and make it more than twenty four hours. Then I realize that it’s not really a matter of how long or short my day is, but how I spend it.
The average lifespan of Filipinos is 66 years. I’m 22 now. I’ve already consumed one third of my life. Now, I’ve come to realize the importance of a single minute, single hour that passes each day. I want to make the most out of my time; doing things not only to improve myself but things that would make other people happy. For parents, the best gift that they can give to their children is time. It’s the same thing with unwed people. When we spare our time to listen to a friend’s problem, to lend a helping hand to an old man or woman on the street, to play with our nieces and nephews, to join a volunteer group – we are giving a precious gift to all of them.
How am I spending my time? I’ve just started doing the following:
*I spend ten minutes (or more) of my day talking to God. I read the bible in the morning using a guide, Didache. I reflect for a few minutes. On my way to the office, I listen to worship and praise songs.
*I spend an hour or so writing my journal.
*I spend time with my family: I play with my niece, watch TV with my brother and sister-in-law, I meet my brother, Erick, once or twice a month, I call my mother when she is in the province, and spend most of my time with her when she’s here in Manila.I want to do the same with my father and my younger brother and sister – call them more often since they are in the province.
*I attend “The Feast” every Sunday (includes joining in the Eucharistic celebration and listening to very inspiring talks by equally inspiring speaker/s).
*I attend my “Caring Group” meeting every Saturday where I praise, worship and thank the Lord with people whom I share the same faith.
*I attend MUKHA-AD (Masayang Ugnayan ng mga Kabataan na Hinuhubog sa Anyo ng Anak ng Diyos) twice a month, a youth formation org. founded by the Dominican brothers.
TalentYou Have a Special Gift No One Else Has
I recently subscribed to GodWhispersClub.Com and I want to share with you the first letter I received from God.
Dear Veronica,
If only you see what I see in you.
Then you’ll realize how great I am - and how great you are.
Your Infinite Source of Blessings,
God
P.S. I’ll give you a hint. Veronica, you’re more magnificent than quadrillion suns put together.
(And I know suns, I made every single one of them).
I was greatly touched by this message. It made me believe more in myself. After all, I was made in the image of likeness of God. And my God is an amazing God.
We all have talents. The product of such talent is great in its own right; for we are uniquely made and we have our own capacities. And the things that we alone can do would be best used in glorifying the Lord through works of mercy and compassion. We should always remember to nurture our talents, because if it is ignored we might lose it someday.
What are my special gifts?
*I believe I have the special gift to teach. In God’s own time and with my own perseverance I hope to use this talent to reach out to people who are uneducated, who simply cannot afford to go to school. I am an educator at heart and I would like to use this gift not just to earn but to make other people’s lives better.
*I enjoy writing; it is my hope that the things I write could encourage people to see the brighter side of life, to love more and to be grateful to God’s endless blessings and unconditional love.
TreasureGod Wants You to Be Rich In His Sight
Everything comes from God. We are often unaware of the blessings that keeps pouring down on us every single day, the mere fact that we are still alive is such a great blessing. But often, when we are enjoying a comfortable life, we forget to share what we have and give back to God what is due to Him. When we give to the Lord, in the form of our tithes, we do not only attract blessings for ourselves but more importantly we become a blessing to others. Whatever it is that we give to the Church, it is used for taking care of our less fortunate brothers and sisters so that they too can experience the love of God through us.
Let us embrace the poor and the needy through our love offerings.
What have I given back to God?
*I have committed to give to the Lord ten percent of my monthly salary. I am confident that this money is being put into good use. It feels great to know that I am able to help others. Even though I can’t reach them physically I know that my love goes out to them.
*I commit myself to be more generous, never counting the cost or thinking about my personal gains. For I believe that God blesses a cheerful giver.
At the end of the series, I have become more aware of God’s blessings in my life. And it makes me more eager to be a blessing to the world.
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