Seven-Day Practical Faith Blog: Deep Hunger Meets Deep Gladness

The charity representatives made their pitch to the philanthropist, requesting a good chunk of money for their cause. The philanthropist listened to the presentation. When it was over, he said, "That's a good cause. But it's not my cause."

That may sound harsh, but I feel it's a realistic approach. No one has enough money, time, or energy to say "yes" to every worthwhile request. So, as the International Day of Charity arrives tomorrow, how do we determine when and where to say "yes?"

Theologian and author Frederick Buechner gave this rule of thumb in his book, "Wishful Thinking":

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

In other words, look inward and look outward. Find your deep gladness that comes from who you uniquely are - your passions, skills, interests, where your heart resides, your perception of your calling at this time in your life. 1 Peter 4:10 says:

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Then find the world's deep hunger - the worthy needs that you can serve through your deep gladness and your unique gifts.

In my video study, "The Legacy Tree," I suggest a model for providing to others, called the Pyramid of Providing. In the context of charity, the model proposes that we cheerfully give in many directions in small, one-time ways as need crosses our path. But as we go up the pyramid, we give more generously but to fewer causes. At the peak of the pyramid may be the "one great cause" to which we devote the most time, energy, money, and heart. The tip represents Buechner's statement of the intersection of deep gladness and deep hunger.

Scripture repeatedly reminds us to act generously toward those less fortunate. As we observe the International Day of Charity, may we renew our giving tendencies, considering our deep gladness and the world's deep hunger in the process.

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