I read an article on AOL a couple of days ago in which Bill Gates suggested that in tough economic times, those with means should give more. My first reaction to this statement was “Sure! If you're Bill Gates, what's another billion or two?”
After all, when assessing where we ourselves are on the continuum of wealth, most of us look upward.
“I'm not rich. My home was never featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”
“I don't have money. My kids are attending college on scholarships or working their way through.”
“I'm not wealthy. I use coupons when I shop. We only have two bathrooms.”
Where we imagine we are on the continuum depends on whether we are comparing ourselves to the aforementioned Mr. Gates or starving children in Africa . In between on the scale, perhaps, is our neighbor across the street who just lost his job. He has six children, one on a mission, a mortgage, and some new medical expenses.
I imagine that during these difficult times our bishops will be called upon to help more families survive financially. My husband works in education. We are fortunate because when times are tough economically, more people return to school to finish a degree or to become trained in another area. Our main source of income is secure.
Our vacation rental house, on the other hand, depends on people having the money to travel, and we have already dropped the price and the minimum stay requirements and will likely flex in other ways in order to get bookings. If things really dry up, we always have the option of putting a long-term tenant in the house. Compared to many, we are doing well. So I've decided to take Bill's advice and find a way, during these trying times, to give more. I have decided to take Bill's advice and increase the amount of my fast offering.
Perspective
One of my favorite dating compatibility-assessment questions was “What book are you reading right now?” On one date, the fellow told me he was reading “Think and Grow Rich.” I laughed and told him I was reading “Everything But Money” by Sam Levenson. I knew right then it wasn't going to work out.
It is a delightful story about a large family deprived of material things but rich in love.
“Ours was a life of plenty: plenty of relatives, neighbors, boarders, janitors, landlords, holidays, cockroaches, cats, dogs, music, books, romance, fights, parties, weddings, medals, illnesses, politicians, superstitions and junk.”
We could likewise assess our homes and remind ourselves that most of us have what is most needful.
“According to studies made by social-service agencies, a good home is defined as one in which there are love, acceptance, belonging, high moral standards, good parental example, decent food, clothing, shelter, spiritual guidance, discipline, joint enterprises, a place to bring friends, and respect for authority. Today any child, rich or poor, who lives in such a home is considered a ‘lucky kid.' By these standards, then, I was a ‘lucky kid,' not in spite of my home but because of it.”
His mother knew the secret to figuring out whether you were rich or poor.
“As an additional safeguard against self-pity in our home, Mama kept several charity boxes marked “for the Poor.” We gave to the poor regularly. It made us feel rich.”
Give said the Little Stream
Many of us remember the Primary song about the little stream. I would like to suggest that those who are able during this economic downturn give a little more. There are many ways this can be done. Decide as a family that you are going to give up something and add the proceeds to your fast offering. Perhaps the meal you skip on fast Sunday could be lobster instead of a cheeseburger. Or perhaps it could just be a double cheeseburger instead of a regular cheeseburger. You could earmark the money you get from recycling soda cans, or better yet, the money you save by giving up soda. You could collect loose change from around the house. Imagine the outcome if every member gave a little extra fast offering and the bishop was able to assist more people.
If you are a family struggling to survive, have lost one or more sources of income, I don't write this to make you feel guilty or resentful or to put another burden on you. I write it in hopes that others will recognize their blessings and share so that help will be there when you need it. In the meantime, let me recommend a great book . . .
