I am so pumped that so many people look past themselves and just give what they have.

I just called my friend Greg. Greg is a roofer. He’s one of those friends that I have on the outskirts of my life that I wish I could spend more time with. He has a booming contagious laugh, a smile for everyone and he loves life. When he picked up the phone I said, “Hey Greg, I need you.” His answer was awesome, “Okay. Right now?” I knew Greg would immediately drive to help me if that’s what I needed. Greg gives. It’s who he is.

Karen was in my office today. Her husband is getting laid off. They aren’t freaking out about it. Instead they are trusting God and her husband is search Google to see if God might want to put his abilities to use for Him. That is amazing.

Mike and I spent some time talking this morning about what motivates people. What drives us and shapes us? Money, corporate success, achievement, our kid playing first string? That is so different than the new life that Jesus calls us to. He said if we would just focus on what drives God’s kingdom that all those things we worry about would become so much less a big deal. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul, his purpose, his being? It profits him nothing. I bet that’s why so many of us are running on empty all the time. We just have a nagging question of, “Does any of this really matter?” (Matthew 6)

I want to give what I have. I spent some time this afternoon exploring the possibility that I could somehow use all my photo gear and all the training in photography to help people discover what is truly important. Could God use my photography to help someone tell their story? Could He use some images or the way I see things through a lens to move people to action? Is there a mission organization or social justice cause praying, “Lord, if we could just have a photographer serve with us for awhile?” I’m going to keep digging.

The world is watching Haiti today after a horrific earthquake. Will we only watch or will we give? Will we take the lead to organize others to help. Will we use vacation to volunteer to travel to Haiti to help as soon as they can handle volunteers?

What do you have that you can give? What talent? What resource? What training? Whatever it is God can use it if you offer it up.

Yeah, it is better to give than it is to receive.