As I open my eyes this morning and thank God for all the many blessings that He has bestowed upon my life, I can’t help but ask the question, God why have you been so good to me? I know that it is not that I deserve it but only because of His grace and mercy. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

As I celebrate this 47th birthday, I was reminded of a surprise birthday party that my family gave me a few years ago. It was a small group of people that I hold near and dear to my heart. In that group was a young lady that I have been friends with since the 2nd grade. The host of the party asked each guest to state how we meet and give a few words of encouragement or make a statement about our relationship. Well, this young lady stated that since she has known me, I have been a giver because in the second grade I would share my crayons with her. I was taken by surprise because it was something that I surely did not remember, but apparently through the years it stuck with her and I have remained consistent. I realized early in life that I am a giver by nature. Anyone that truly knows me and how I give unselfishly to others can attest to that. Can I be transparent for a moment? I realized years ago that I give until it hurts sometimes, but never to expect anything in return from a human being. God is my rewarder. I’ve realized that all people are not the same, we do not think the same nor do we act the same. People will let you down and disappoint you time after time. The many things you do for others they will not do for you. But I made up my mind that I will not hold up my blessings from God messing around with people. God told me years ago to follow His instructions, do what He places on my heart to do and He will bless me in return, according to HIS riches. My God has it ALL, so I will not argue with that! Well, it looks like I have found my answer, God has been good to me because I strive to do right by others through my love of giving. 

Have you ever met a person that always have their hands extended but it is only to grab and hold but never extended to open and to give? Just think about that for a moment. How can you receive anything with a closed hand? The bible clearly tells us that is more blessed to give than to receive. If your hand is closed trying to hold on to what you have, how can anything flow in? You have got to let go of something sometimes. A lot of people tend to equate blessings to money. I personally need blessings that money simply can’t buy. I need God to put a super on the natural and an extra on the ordinary. 

I challenge you, if you ever feel stuck in a situation, open up and let go of whatever it is that keeps you bound and watch God move. Maybe it is your health, peace of mind, finances, marriage, children, job etc. Whatever it is let it go! Release it! Holding on to it only slows down the process of your being freed from it! Let it go and give it to God, He is willing and able to deliver you, but you got to let it go. Whatever you need God has it.

I know from personal experience that it is a blessing to be a blessing! You may not have money to bless someone with but maybe you have some extra time or talent you can give. I promise if you take the focus off your situation and take the time to help someone else meet their goals or make their dreams come true, by the time you get back around to your situation, God will already have handled it for you. I believe that if we be about God’s business, He will definitely be about ours. 

Not only should you open and extend you hands to give but above all else be sure to open and extend your hands to give God some praise!