Who (What) Do You Love?

 When talking about money, it is easy to see what an organization or an individual values.  Take a look at their budget.  I have yet to participate in a budgeting process that, if examined closely, doesn't reveal firm statements about what it's author holds important.  There are some mandatory expenses, you have to pay the utilities, right?  But if you look at the different line items you can figure out where the discretionary spending choices had to be made, and the results reveal what is valued.  For instance, as my knees get more arthritic, I value really good, supportive shoes.  That is in my budget.  I am also very attached to my image as a  mom, it is scary to think about changing that after XX years.  So in order to hang on to that I budget for repairs to the mini van that is fading almost as fast as my memory.  As the Bishop says, "Every time we spend money, we make a statement about what we value."


I am still working through my financial budget to see what I value.  Sounds crazy, doesn't it?  Subconsciously, belief systems shape our decisions, but what happens if we are intentional about uncovering and understanding those beliefs and values?  It can be a bit uncomfortable.  Of course, budgeting and money go back to the last discussion.  They are black and white, cut and dried, objective and measurable.  Easy to identify, and then (maybe) change if needed.  I worry that focusing only, or mostly, on money has the potential to lead us back to mechanical stewardship.


I am more intrigued by what our actions say about what we value.  Or who.  Our study of extravagant generosity isn't just about money.  For me, it is coming down to how what I do and believe shapes what I give.  I think that was a part of the first week's discussion, but sometimes I can be a little slow to get on board.  Looking at the examples in the book, the fiddler who was transformed worked tirelessly to improve his music when he realized his life was worth claiming for the effect he could have by using his gift of music.  The custodian gave to the homeless person without strings because of what the gift did for him, knowing he could answer for what he had done.   The ministries and churches we have come from the generosity of those who went before us.  Like the whitewater rafters, they intentionally "paddled" their gifts so they would go in the direction of the things and people they valued.  I wonder, which came first - the desire to give or the giving?  Does it matter?