“Like the development of an artistic masterpiece, giving as a spiritual discipline is a journey or process. To be clear, when I say “practice,” I don’t mean an occasional act of charity. I mean an intentional way of being that spans the course of a lifetime. The creation of art happens over the course of many steps, and in this process beauty can be found. The creation of a piece of art is not just a means to an end but is an end in itself. In the same way, the sacred art of giving produces meaning and delight in each step of the journey. We cannot simply “achieve” a lifestyle of generosity, reap the benefits and check it off our list. Rather, we learn the practice of generosity while we walk our faith journey, step by step, finding joy and fulfillment in each segment, and always seeking to grow through various spiritual practices. This is great news because it means we do not have to “master” the practice before we experience its rewards.
Just like any spiritual practice, giving is something that can be integrated into our lives. When we create a lifestyle of giving, not just participating in a whirlwind of giving one weekend and then dropping the practice, our lives can become continuously filled with blessings that come from this spiritual practice. Creating a lifestyle of generosity is more than just behavioral modifications; it is seeing the world differently every day. When we are able to change our paradigm and see each moment and aspect of our life as an opportunity to be generous, we open ourselves up to experience the rich rewards that occur through sustained giving. Sacred giving can occur in the mundane grocery store moments of everyday life, not just in those headline- grabbing, once-in-a-lifetime major financial gifts. While the goal is to create a lifestyle, you have to start somewhere. Don’t be afraid to start small. It’s the intentionality and regularity of the act that is most important, not the size of the gift. Think of it as a mosaic of small practices that, before you know it, add up to a lifestyle.”
Lauren Tyler Wright in Giving–the Sacred Art: Creating a Lifestyle of Generosity (Woodstock, VT: SkyLight Paths Publishing, 2008) xxii-iii.