Thanksgiving – a time to reflect on everything we’re thankful for, but what about the second half of that word. What about the giving?

When you’re running your own business – especially when you’re just starting – you need to track every cent and minute spent. It’s likely you don’t have the time or money budgeted to give things away, but I’d like to suggest that you can’t afford not to.

Some people call it karma, but my spiritual beliefs call it reaping and sowing. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (NIV)

Regardless of your profession, there are always opportunities to give – you can donate goods or services, your expertise, or your time. You can give to large, national organizations or small, local projects. The recipient doesn’t matter, but there is one important thing to consider.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

It’s not about how much you have to give, it’s about the condition of your heart when you give. Forcing someone to give isn’t giving – it’s compulsion (and we’re not celebrating Thankscompulsion).

If you want to give but you’re not at a place yet where you feel like you can, then don’t, and don’t feel guilty because of it. Just keep your eyes open for those opportunities to give back in a way that means something to you. I love the arts, so I bought a $20 ad for the program of our local middle school musical. It wasn’t a lot of money, but it was a cause I cared about, and it allowed me to participate in my community in a small way.

Maybe you can donate $10-20 to help a student attend a seminar. If you can’t afford that, you could spend 30-60 minutes cleaning up after a fundraiser. Don’t worry about how much or how often you give, just give what you can.

Be thankful for what you have. Sow. Reap. Bless each other.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!