In a recent foundation board meeting, amidst financial advisors’ forecasts painting a concerning economic picture with soaring inflation, a palpable sense of unease filled the room. The question hung in the air: how would this economic uncertainty impact the foundation’s ability to provide for the growing needs within the community? It was a moment where fear could easily have taken root.
However, as the meeting concluded and grants totaling $250,000 were approved, a different narrative emerged. These weren’t grand, headline-grabbing donations, but rather a collection of small to medium-sized grants dispersed across a diverse array of worthy causes. Generosity, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing a thriving community, ultimately prevailed over apprehension. This particular family foundation, with nearly two decades of dedicated service, had weathered numerous economic storms, consistently choosing to sow seeds of support and hope.
Driving home, still contemplating the meeting’s discussions, a song on the radio resonated deeply, capturing the essence of the day’s reflections:
“This back-home drive’s got me reflecting.
Feels like God’s asking me some questions.
If you reap what you sow,
what kind of garden would you grow?”
For those familiar with my introspective nature, this type of question is pure fuel. Reflection isn’t just an activity; it’s ingrained in my being. It’s a trait consistently highlighted in every personality assessment I’ve encountered. The furrow in my brow is a testament to a lifetime of deep thought. I recall lecturers pausing mid-sentence, concerned by my intense gaze, only to be reassured, “I’m alright, just thinking.”
A thought-provoking question, much like a perfectly cooked steak, deserves to be savored, not hastily swallowed. Every layer of meaning needs to be explored. Perhaps my fondness for a good steak isn’t so random after all.
And so, I pose this question not only to myself but to you as well: “If you reap what you sow, what kind of garden would you grow?”
The beauty of this question lies in its vast applicability. Consider the gardens you might cultivate: personal character development, nurturing virtues like patience, kindness, and courage. Perhaps you envision mentoring young individuals, whether your own children, members of your church, or participants at the local youth center. Or maybe your ambition is to cultivate a thriving business, starting small and expanding to serve your community.
Alt text: Gardener carefully nurtures a seedling, symbolizing the initial efforts in sowing seeds for future growth and positive outcomes.
Perhaps you’re already a business owner looking to give back, becoming a corporate sponsor and investing in the well-being of your locality. Or maybe your focus is on expanding your capacity for generosity in all aspects of your life. Regardless of your aspiration, remember that giving, in all its forms, originates from a single seed of intention. Begin with what you have to offer. It may not always be monetary, especially at first.
Start Small, Grow Big: The Power of Consistent Giving
- Give your time generously.
- Give your focused attention.
- Give your available resources.
- Give within your current capacity.
- Give your very best effort.
Personally, one of my greatest sources of joy is giving. Reflecting on my own experiences, most of my contributions align with the list above. I suspect this resonates with many. While we may contribute our tithes, offer special gifts, and donate to those in need, these often manifest as smaller, yet significant, acts of generosity. It’s accurate to say that while not everyone is a philanthropist in the traditional sense, we are all capable of being givers. And these seemingly small acts of giving collectively build stronger communities. They form the bedrock of healthy and impactful non-profit organizations.
Consider a recent initiative from one of our foundation clients: a matching pilot program. This program was strategically designed to bolster the organizational health of previously funded non-profits by strengthening their donor base, engaging both new and returning contributors. Small to medium-sized donations earmarked for general operations are indeed the lifeblood of most successful non-profit endeavors.
Alt text: Hands carefully placing seeds in rich soil, representing the proactive act of sowing generosity and expecting a bountiful harvest of positive community impact.
Our foundation client’s commitment extends beyond mere hope for the success of their funded organizations. They actively invest in their success. They are diligently tending to a garden cultivated from seeds sown over two decades ago. This intentional cultivation reflects the kind of garden they aspire to grow.
Echoing the sentiment of the Carrie Underwood song that filled my car, “If you reap what you sow, what kind of garden would you grow?” This is a question worthy of deep consideration.
In an era marked by economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, and rising living costs, cultivating a mindset of generosity and community-focused action has never been more crucial. Now is the time to garden together, nurturing our communities with intention and care.
What kind of garden do you want to grow?
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