Again, short and sweet this time because I worked a double tonight and I’m really looking forward to getting some rest.

I was listening to the Dave Ramsey podcast for Tuesday, 9/17/13, and unlike most other episodes, he didn’t speak to many people, but he took a long time speaking about enjoying wealth.  One of the best ways to do it was through giving.  While reading the book The Five Love Languages for Singles, they mention that the word “gift” translated in Latin as “gratuitas”, was rooted in the Latin word for “grace” (grat), which, in Christianity is the unmerited favor of God.  When we give freely, without expectation of receiving, it is our reflection of the Lord’s favor on our lives.

I was sitting at a poker table, waiting to deal cards at a function in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria one night.  The last time I was in that same room was when I was about 12 years old, singing on that stage for dignitaries and diplomats.  Some of the other dealers were talking about their chances at getting tips, which in their mindset was nil.  It’s assumed that many folks who have money, find it difficult to part with it, and it’s those who are “blue collar” tend to appreciate service more.  Although the trend tends to show that to be correct (I’ve been doing this for 9+ years), it’s not always the case.

Grace is practiced in all levels of society, but the interesting part I think is this.  If you have an issue giving, then you may have  a stronghold in your heart toward that thing.  We are asked to hold things loosely because we are asked not to put anything between us and God, and whatever does, will cause us damage, and on many occasions, they get taken away from us, and what we let go of we get more of.  Melinda Gates (Bill Gates’ wife) jokingly mentioned recently that she and her husband were thinking about writing another book entitled “How to make more money by giving it away”.  Although they are the riches couple in the world (Forbes again listed Bill Gates this year as the richest man in the America), their net worth grew even after they gave most of their wealth away to charity.

Whatever you give freely, you receive freely in return.  Very simple rule.