Most people want to be known or remembered as givers. Giving is everything positive found in human nature (kindness, thoughtfulness, sacrifice, selflessness and more), so it’s natural we aspire to be that kind of person.
People look up to givers. But giving doesn’t happen by accident. It doesn’t require wealth in the way most would consider. It doesn’t even require a lot of work. But it does require conscious action.
So here are three things you can do, my three Gs of advice to be a giver:
First, GET a will. Did you know that over half of the adults in this country do not have a will? I don’t know about you, but I am dumbfounded at this statistic. Unpleasant, even devastating things can happen to your family if you don’t have a will. And you cannot be a giver upon your passing if you don’t have a will. It’s impossible … because the state has other things in mind for what you leave behind.
Second, GIVE back to your community. In one way or another, your community helped shape who you are, who your family is or will grow up to be. Your community provided an environment where you could build a successful business, make a good living, raise your family, or just enjoy the amenities that define our quality of life.
Just look at what we are capable of! Memorial Community Hospital. The YMCA. The new Library and Technology Center. Washington County Fair. Youth Sports Complex. All of these and more take a lot of giving.
If you want the next generation to have those same opportunities, be raised in that same kind of environment, have the ability to attract new people to the quality of life we enjoy … you need to give back to your community. And the best way to do that is to designate a portion of your estate toward it in your will.
Third, but most important, be GENEROUS. Generosity matters. Generosity matters in how we help the poor and hungry in our community. Generosity matters in how we provide opportunities for our kids to grow up and make the most of their lives. Generosity matters in how we show pride for what we and preceding generations have built. Generosity matters in how we inspire others to continue making this a strong, thriving community.
