In today’s world, it seems like every time I make a purchase with a credit card, there’s an option to add a tip. It often leaves me wondering whether I should tip and if so, how much.

Generosity is a core value in our family, so my default inclination is to leave something, even if I’m unsure whether the extra money will truly reach the server or if the service warrants a tip at all. I firmly believe that generosity extends far beyond just leaving an undeserved tip, but it’s a meaningful place to begin.

This blog post marks the third installment in our series on Core Values, and it is dedicated to exploring generosity. While generosity is commonly associated with financial giving or donations, its scope is much broader, encompassing various ways of placing ourselves and our possessions in the service of others.

Hospitality, volunteering, emotional support, and fostering relationships are all forms of generosity. With Valentine’s week upon us, I’ve chosen to focus on generosity within our closest relationships. Interestingly, it can sometimes be easier to be generous to a stranger than to our own family members. Perhaps it’s because of the deep relational ties we share, which might lead us to believe they owe us something or that we need to impart a lesson, making us less inclined to give freely.

Here are five ways we can cultivate generosity within our families:

1. Words of Encouragement: Take the time to affirm and appreciate each other. Look for the good in one another and express it sincerely.
2. Give Hugs: Small gestures like a warm embrace can convey love and care in profound ways, especially when directed toward our family members whom we might sometimes take for granted.
3. Take Time for Conversation: Engage in meaningful dialogue by asking about each other’s day and actively listening with genuine curiosity.
4. Acts of Service: Purposefully lighten each other’s burdens by taking on tasks or chores that the other person dislikes or finds challenging.
5. Bring Home a Surprise: Brighten everyone’s day by arriving home with a thoughtful surprise, whether it’s flowers or a treat from the local bakery.

Being generous within our families may require more intentionality and effort than simply adding a few dollars to a bill at the checkout counter. However, the rewards are immeasurable, enriching both our loved ones’ lives and our own. In nurturing a culture of generosity within our families, we foster deeper connections and create a nurturing environment where love and kindness thrive.