One Hand in, One Hand Out - Thoughts for Giving Tuesday
As we move into the Christmas season, I am struck by the dichotomy that is going on in the world we live in. Things can be so calm, abundant and delightful for some, while other people can be living in extremely inhumane conditions and circumstances. Thinking about it can make us absolutely crumble with emotion. Either that or we simply harden our hearts, or stop thinking about it altogether, because we feel so lost and overwhelmed about what to do.
In the weeks since the terrorist attacks in Paris, we have all become more aware of the suffering people are enduring in other parts of the world. According to Wikipedia, in November alone there were 30 terrorist attacks around the world. Not to mention the severe adversity the people of Syria are facing.
I have been wrestling with the juxtaposition of the terror that many are dealing with, and the generally “comfortable” life we live here in North America. I am struck by the privilege we have in just calling this continent home.
This is the conclusion I have come up with:
It’s OK.
We live in a place where in general we have access to the help we need when we need it. We have clean water and the ability to get good food. Having said that, I realize that there are many, many people struggling within North America – it is a big problem our society is facing. I want to honour that, however it is different that the devastation happening right now in Syria.
One saying that irritates me to no end is—“that’s a First World problem.” The thing is that we live in the First World, so really any struggle any of us have to face on a daily basis is a “First World problem.” And that’s OK.
Years ago I attended a forward-thinking church community, and one of the mantra’s coined by leader Gary Best, was “one hand in, one hand out.” It's a sentiment that has stayed with me.
One Hand In – One Hand Out.
This simple phrase is what came to me as I was wrestling with this dichotomy.
It’s ok to seek contentment, mindfulness, peace and joy. Creating a practice that supports me to be the very best me that I can be is essential, despite what’s happening in the world.
Taking care of my well-being—my mental and physical health is non-negotiable. I am very much aware of what can happen to me when I don’t make it a priority, and I am committed to not delving back into the dark night of the soul. It was a dark and twisty place that I am choosing not to go back to. I also need to find a way to make money so that I can provide for my family. Enjoying the life and gifts I have been given, is a divine blessing.
I’m learning to hold onto those things with a loose grip. I don’t know what the future holds for this part of the world, or for me. I also want to live with intentional generosity, and that is easier for me to do when I look at my blessings with fluidity, rather than finite.
I don’t want to only focus on myself. I see the potential for an individualistic culture when all the focus is inward.
As important as it is for me to have one hand in with self-care, I feel very compelled to look outside of myself—to give.
I have realized that I become more ME as I share and give of myself. I worked for a non-profit for 20 years, and as that certainly didn’t bring me to a place that I would call myself rich in a financial sense, I feel incredibly rich in a transcendent sense.
The things I think about are:
What is my “why”? How does my “why” impact the world?
What is my gift to the world around me?
How can I contribute to the world?
The tension of balancing the two personal missions of “one hand in, one hand out,” is no small feat. It’s all a part of the journey. Sometimes life might not be perfectly balanced. I’m reminding myself that there is a season for everything, and that I want to live intentionally.
So as we head into this Christmas season, I am inviting you to think about how you can have one hand in, and one hand out.
What will you do for self-care in this busy season? What will you say yes to, and what will you say no to? Think about making some time for self-reflection a priority during this time.
One the other hand what will you do to give some support to people who are struggling this season? I believe that all of us, no matter how much or how little money we have, can give something. Think about what you can give—whether it’s money, time or something you already have. You may want to give to a local cause, or perhaps to an organization that is making a difference with a larger global issue.
The point is that whether you choose to give your extra coat to the homeless person on the corner, donate money to support refugees, give to the food bank, or help out with a community Christmas dinner – you are doing your part to spread good will during a time that is very dark for so many.