BEYOND / Sharing with Others a Childhood Lesson

A Story from the Enslin Family

A lasting lesson of generosity was taught to me by my friend’s family when we were children.  I remember being welcomed into their home to stay for dinner on weeknights, to join them on a trip out of town, to wear tennis shoes or clothes that no longer fit their children.  I realize now that the feeling of generosity did not come from them giving me things (though they clearly did); it was recognizing and sharing abundance.  The act of sharing things with me really made an impact and I often remember their family when I consider how I interact with my children’s friends and our neighbors.  The act of sharing makes me look at my things differently, too.  I see that we have plenty of food, our experiences are enriched by our awesome kids, and that the things we can’t use still are valuable.
Generosity to me has meant sharing my resources with others – such as my time, money, food and patience – in as limited or unlimited a capacity as circumstances allow.  I have been the recipient of generosity in moments of need at different times – a friend lending an ear to listen to me gripe about a stressful circumstance, a sister letting me live with her family for a while and scholarship money accepted for tuition or camp fees.
I am grateful for how Good Shepherd shares its resources with the Madison and Verona communities, how we share with one another, and I am excited to see how we will continue to “church” in ways we cannot even imagine yet.

Julie has been a member since getting married at the newly-built Verona campus in October 2003. She is married to Josh with three sons Henry, Charlie, George and works as an occupational therapist.