Putting on the Brakes in the Fast Lane by Gretchen O'Shea

The alarm buzzer blares its familiar sound, the first text message of the day arrives and I’m off! Faster than an Indianapolis 500 race begins and ends, my days zoom right on by. Often my speed is set on cruise control instead of God control. I race past unmet needs, focusing my eyes instead on getting past the finish line of my day.

Generosity is often spoken of in terms of a giving a monetary tithe or an expensive gift. Yet, doesn’t God also desire that we generously offer our time to serve those around us? Have you ever felt a tug on your heart to help a friend, reach out in your neighborhood, include someone new into your circle of friends or volunteer to serve at your church? God’s Spirit often prompts us in these ways, but responding to His gentle nudging to act takes initiative, sacrifice and sometimes humility on our part.

One afternoon, as I raced through my day at my own speed, the Spirit gently stepped on the brakes of my busy heart. It reminded me of the driver’s education instructors that have their own set of brakes in the student car. Sometimes those brakes need to be applied even if we don’t realize it.

After returning home, my mind raced with texts to send, an ever important Facebook.com account to check and oh, so much more. The afternoon was mapped out in full detail and I was rearing to get started. Suddenly, in the midst of my flurry, I heard the still, small voice of the Spirit. "You need to reach out to your neighbor today. She needs a friend," He whispered. "I want you to knock on her door."

I wasn’t totally surprised. I had felt that tug on my heart before but I had ignored it. This time I knocked. I awkwardly explained that I simply wanted to get to know her. With a look of surprise, she accepted the invitation to sit and talk. After hours of sharing and getting to know one another, I had learned an important lesson. Slowing down and being willing to share our time with others honors God and helps us cultivate a generous spirit.

The apostle Paul put it this way: "Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2nd Corinthians 9:13  

Generosity is so much more than writing a check or buying a gift. We can share ourselves generously by opening our eyes to the needs around us and serving Him generously by saying "yes" to His promptings, even when what He asks may seem uncomfortable or inconvenient. When we not only give generously, but live generously, we can bring honor and praise to His name, on whatever path He has placed us!

Gretchen O’Shea is a first grade teacher that enjoys serving her students and others with her life. She is a youth mentor, as well as a small group leader for young adults.  In her free time she enjoys writing, running, photography and cooking. She lives outside of Chicago, Illinois.