February month is the “ Love” month. With velvet red hearts, trappings of roses, and cupid’s arrows, it’s so easy to get caught up in our world’s expression of love. Many clients achieve a true breakthrough in their decluttering process when clients can visualize giving away their excess to a good charity. Their ability to discard is greatly improved when they feel that their “treasures” will continue to be used in a meaningful way. However, more than giving to those with great need, giving comes from a grateful heart. The act of giving is connected to the feeling of love….
For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
Pause for a moment at the words…love, and giving. God first loved…and then he gave. When I think back to my early days of romantic love, I remember my intense feelings. What better way to act on those wondrous feelings but to give. Not just the stuff that I knew my boyfriend would adore, but the giving of my time and attention. But that giving was not enough. I also gave my will away. I would not hesitate to do what he wanted or go where he wanted to go. Of course, in a healthy relationship, these are reciprocated. But the act remained; I gave up my own desires to please the one I loved. When we love, giving is a natural by-product. God so loved the world that He gave…
Jesus so loved the Father that he gave up His will on the cross to do His Father’s will. It’s easy to give, be kind, and do good to others who are always kind, doing good, and blessing others. But Jesus said that even the sinners (the world) do this. As Christian, we are supposed to do the opposite of the world’s way. That is why Jesus says to give to people who are not kind, and we will benefit from it.
How?
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Luke 6:38 NIV
Give away to everyone who has a need and does not take back your goods from someone who has taken from you, and your needs will be met, and what has been taken from you will be given back pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
Have you heard of The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 Rule? No? Allow me to share a little bit about this rule and how it relates to organizing. There was an Italian scientist named Vilfredo Pareto who discovered, through observation, that 80% of Italian land was owned by only 20% of the population. He also observed that 20% of his pea pods contained 80% of the peas in his garden. Along with other scientists and thinkers, he started to apply this idea to other areas of study like mathematics and science. He soon discovered that this idea of “roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes” was actually common.
The Pareto Principle also applies to a variety of other items and events:
- We only wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time
- We spend 80% of the time with 20% of our acquaintances
- 80% of our interruptions come from the same 20% of people
- 20% of the work we do consumes 80% of our time and resources
- We reference/retrieve 20% of our paper files 80% of the time
1. Where do you see the 80/20 Pareto Principle to be true in your life?
2. How does the Pareto Principle relate to giving?
Realizing that we really use only a small fraction of the abundance that God has provided in our lives, we can then begin to let go with a grateful heart to bless others. God is seeking those who can give with a grateful heart. Giving is truly a love response. For God So loved the world that he gave…
