Last week, our family had the privilege of hosting two boys, aged eight and ten, from Uganda, along with a young adult chaperone. They are part of the African Children’s Choir and performed at our church.
With full transparency, we didn’t immediately jump at the opportunity to host them. It wasn’t until a heartfelt plea from our church leadership—who needed more host families—that we reluctantly agreed. With the challenges we already face in our own household, we felt others would be better suited for the task. Yet, not wanting to be the reason the concert was canceled, we opened our home, albeit hesitantly.
But from the moment these sweet boys stepped through our door, our perspective shifted. They were polite, well-mannered, and full of warmth. We shared meals, played games, and sang songs together, and in no time, our hearts melted for them.
Reflecting on this experience, I’ve come to realize how important it is to step outside our comfort zones. It’s easy to stick to the paths of least resistance, but those paths rarely lead to the rich, fulfilling experiences that shape us.
True generosity, in any form, requires some level of sacrifice. For those of us who are fortunate to have moderate or substantial financial means, giving money might feel like the easiest form of giving. But generosity is so much more than that—it’s about rolling up your sleeves, investing your time, and getting involved. And often, the more you put into an experience, the more you receive in return.
Here are a few simple, meaningful ways to practice generosity that don’t necessarily involve money:
- Volunteer: Find a cause that energizes you, whether through your church or another organization, and get involved.
- Build New Friendships: Step out of your social and economic circles and form friendships with people who have different perspectives and backgrounds.
- Join a Mission or Service Project: Whether locally or abroad, there are countless opportunities to serve others and make a lasting impact.
In the grand scheme of things, hosting two boys from Uganda for two nights wasn’t a huge commitment. But the memories we created and the lessons we learned were invaluable. Generosity has a unique way of blessing both the giver and the receiver, and I’m convinced that making it a regular practice can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment.
So, what’s one thing you can do today to make a difference in someone else’s life?
