The Laughing Wolf

Giving Back

Almost every religion has the concept of tithing, of giving to the church in question in support of the greater good. Over time, this has come to be seen as just money and putting in a percentage of wages earned. Yet, according to some texts I have read and studied, this is a somewhat modern invention. According to that school, tithing was more than money, but giving a part of one’s life to the greater good.

In this school, one was supposed to donate time, effort, and money. For example, if you were a carpenter you might donate wood or woodworking to the religious institution or to other good causes that were specified. If you were a cooper, you might donate barrels or such. A part of this process was also to help those in need, such that some portion of what was done went to the needy.

There is much to be said for this concept of tithing, and it brings me to a question for the day:

What do you do to make your world a better place?

Over the years, I have done a variety of things through Scouting, church, other, and on my own to try and make the world a better place. Some of the volunteer work has been to help make nature trials, visiting nursing homes, or even working to improve communications. Rather than throw out many things, I donate them to charity and even make sure that that certain rural libraries with which I am familiar have books and science materials.

What do you do to make your world a better place?

Given how often we hear people demanding that something be done about X, how often do they really do something about it? Are they offering a concrete solution and making it happen, or are they simply demanding someone else do something about it?

What do you do to make your world a better place?

Do you do anything at all? Do you just throw money towards charity and think that is sufficient? When was the last time you did something other than just give money? Did what you do help eliminate the problem, or perpetuate it?

Think on that a bit today, and then act. Find something that needs and deserves your help, and give of yourself to it. Find something that works to eliminate problems, not perpetuate them, and give of yourself to it. Look beyond the surface, think, and then give. For that is the richest gift we have to share.

LW