Guest Blog by Penny Ridderbusch

I once heard it said that to find out what’s truly important in one’s life, look at two things – one’s calendar and one’s checkbook.

At the time I heard this, I was doing a lot of volunteering for a non-profit organization that had a profound impact on my life. I had served on their board of trustees for six years. I was elected treasurer and was the chair of the finance committee. I spent a lot of volunteer hours serving on the local level as well. If you looked at my calendar, you could see how important this organization was to me.

But my checkbook told a different story. I was contributing financially to other non-profits, but not so much to the one that meant the most to me. I immediately took action to remedy the situation. I set up a monthly deduction from my bank account so I could make regular donations to this treasured organization.

Jesus is attributed as saying that is it more blessed to give than to receive. Giving creates a connection with all of creation. Giving money is one means, of course. The giving of time is another means. Generosity can involve caring for the environment, taking in a pet from a shelter, sharing possessions, volunteering time to a worthy cause, becoming politically active.

Today, there are two non-profits that are my primary focus – the one mentioned above and QUUF. To both of these organizations, I offer both my time and my financial support. I have included both organizations in my will.

At various stages in my life I have had more time than money, or more money than time, or not much of either, or an ample amount of both. I have given what I could when I could. For me, giving is part of my spiritual practice.