Pampered or Hampered?

I little over a year and a half ago, I posted some thoughts on giving.

One of my biggest struggles when it comes to money is finding the right middle ground between spending on myself to have nice things and giving to others who are less fortunate than me. While I haven't settled on the proper balance, and will probably always be tempted to err on the side of selfish, I've tried to make the following quote my guideline.

"I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditures on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charities expenditure excludes them."
—C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

3 comments:

Michelle said...

So, I know I'm a little comment crazy, but I really liked this post. I think it is great when someone who is sacrificing his whole life to supporting and raising a family is still thinking about giving to other people. Your time and sacrifice to hold a job is a huge charity for Jenna and me. Thanks for being there for us! Jenna is certainly a pinch/hamper, eh? But at least she's cute!

Dave and Jannell Webb said...

I feel tha the act of giving or contributing to charity does not necessarily have to have a dollar tag associated to it. I feel that at times the simple thing are equally gratifying. I was picking up formula the other night for our son, it was 11:30PM and extremley cold out. I noticed an older lady struggling to get her groceries loaded into her car. I was in a rush, but I took the time to help her load all of her groceries into her car. By the look in her eyes, I could see that she was extremely grateful for my service. I find great joy in serving others, this opportunity sent me home with a "warm fuzzy" inside knowing that I was able to help an indivudal out who was in need.Drew, you are a great man! Keep the Trendstack going my friend, I am a true fan!

Dave Webb

Dave Webb

Bucky said...

Good point., Dave. We can definitely do more than just help with our wallets. Hope Trev is strong and doing well!