Generosity & Gratitude

Sometimes "thank you" just does not seem like enough.

In the weeks/months prior to Imani's Christmas event, I was so focused on tasks, details, and deadlines that I failed to recognize what a beautiful thing was unfolding before me. Sure, I had been in contact with dozens of people over the course of the fall season. I had recruited people to do a variety of things, invited over 100 people to attend, and sought assistance and encouragement from friends both near and far. But it was not until December 7 that I really saw what Imani had become. Within a matter of hours, a banquet room stuck in the 70's was transformed into a breath-taking winter wonderland. Saturday morning, one of the coldest days of the year, people began to arrive. And they just starting to do things. Yes, I had long lists of tasks to be done, but it was something to behold how people just saw a need and met it. Trees were set up, lights strung, napkins folded, tables set, tables moved, crafts set out. It was incredible.

And then the event itself. I had played it through in my mind many times, trying to think of as many "What if" scenarios as possible in order to be prepared. Yet it just happened. Sure a few hiccups along the way but they just seemed to work themselves right out. I can honestly say I was not stressed and able to enjoy myself. Everything was taken care of. And as the event came to an end, that same village got to work. Packed the place right up. I did not have to ask a single person to stay and help. They just did. Incredible. All of that in addition to a great turnout (the event actually sold out) and the faith and generosity of those who attended. It still gives me chills to share with people that we raised $10,000. Amazing.

This is what Imani has become. A dedicated group of individuals who believe in the work we are committed to and who are willing to help in the ways they can. One thing I shared at the event was my heart to expand the definition of "giving." I know not everyone can write a check, but I am convinced that everyone can give - time, talents, connections, prayers. I always believe giving takes some amount of faith - if you wait until you feel you have all your ducks in a row, you will miss a lifetime of opportunities to be generous. I believe in what Imani is doing, but there are countless opportunities to give - to an individual in need, a devoted organization, the church you attend, someone going on a missions trip. Christmas is a great time to be generous, but I pray we don't stop there. It was such a joy to inform the clinic that God had provided and that soon they would not have to worry about the rains flooding their clinic.

I have learned so much about generosity and gratitude from the people I have met in Kenya. The first time I went to the clinic as I was leaving to get into the van to go back to the volunteer house, I remember Francesca insisting that she buy me a soda to thank me for coming. During my senior year of college, I received multiple cards from Kenya - Christmas, graduation, thank you's. Each time I initially thought, "They shouldn't have spent the postage to send this," yet quickly realized I needed to just receive it graciously. When I spent time in Indonesia, I was humbled by the generosity of our host families in preparing food for us and truly giving us royal treatment, despite having very little to give.

I am learning to be more gracious. I am working on not saying "You shouldn't have" when someone makes a donation or gives beyond what I feel was necessary or expected. I am learning to just express gratitude and thank the person for giving in faith. I am also learning that saying "thank you," though it may not seem like much, is a powerful gesture and always worth the time. As Christmas comes and goes, let us be generous, grateful, and gracious - replacing our "shouldn't have's" with "thank you's" and not being afraid to accept the gifts of others. May we learn to give, not for the sake of shopping, to repay debts, out of obligation, or whatever other motives we may have, but out of response to our generous Heavenly Father who gave us the most precious gift of all, His son.

With Gratitude, Alyssa