I’ll start by confessing: I’m a purger. On a whim, I’ll decide to throw or donate tons of things all at once—it usually turns into a big production. I’ve always known this about myself, but a good friend recently pointed it out, and it made me stop and think.
The next time I was in a purging mood, I sat down and really asked myself why I was doing it. Here’s what I realized: I wasn’t doing it just to provide for someone in need or as an act of kindness. I was doing it to cleanse my space, get rid of the clutter in my sight, and make cleaning easier.
Maybe this comes from always having more than I truly needed. Growing up, our family wasn’t wealthy, but I rarely remember experiencing real sacrifice or struggle. And even in the moments we did, there wasn’t a clear lesson about gratitude or God’s provision.
So recently, I decided to try a new approach: going through our home and giving intentionally, even when I wasn’t in a purging mood. I took the kids along, and we made the dining room table our “GIVE space.” Together we talked about what it means to give from a Godly heart, not just to get rid of things we didn’t need.
Watching my children decide what to give was beautiful. My daughter sorted through her hair bows on her own, and when I asked if she was sure about her piles, she said, “That’s right, Mom. And guess what? I still have A LOT!” She realized she had more than enough and expressed genuine thankfulness to God.
It was harder with my three-year-old. At first, everything was “This is mine” or “I want to keep this!” But over the two-day event, he started saying things like, “I don’t NEED this” or “Someone else can love this.” He ran proudly to the giving table, shouting, “I’m giving!”
I made a point not to guilt the kids into giving. I wanted them to recognize their blessings and only give what they felt comfortable with. Even my daughter, on the way to the second-hand store, decided to keep one item she wasn’t ready to part with. That’s okay—she recognized her feelings and expressed them openly, and that made me so happy.
This experience reminded me that generosity is about more than possessions. It’s about giving freely, with an open heart. And if you’re not in a position to give something you own, think about how you can give your time, encouragement, or love to someone else.
What can you give today—with joy and intention?
Wow! I must be a great mom because of the amazing mom you are! Ok, I was joking there, you come by a lot of this on your own.
I just want to address the "thanks to God" it wasn't that I didn't thank him it is just when I grew up we believed but didn't talk about it much. It just was. So when I got married I did it the same way. We believed and did't talk about it much, I was sort of embarrassed to pray out loud. But I prayed daily and still do. There is nothing like knowing you can take your problems to the master of the universe! But I am so glad you can talk to your husband and kids and make God a 5th person IN your home, not someone who lives somewhere we will visit someday.
I need you to spend a couple days here, I am ready to get rid of stuff but need someone with a whip to see that I stay at it!!
Have you read much Michael Scott Peck? I've dabbled in a couple of his books but have yet to dig in to them. They're very intriguing.
What a great challenge – to give when you don't want to give. Sacrificial giving for sure. You are really inspiring and encouraging!
Jessa- I haven't read his works, but he was quoted in the "Growing Grateful Kids' book. I am REALLY loving that book!
Mom- I'd like to come help you, but I think I boxed up my whip for the second hand store. haha- only kidding. I'll help you soon