BEYOND / To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected
A Story from the Hanson Family
My earliest memory of generosity was of a time when I was a little girl and I was with my maternal grandparents. I thought the world of them. To me, they exuded true love and kindness. We had been out to eat, and when we came back to their car an elderly woman had backed into their car, causing a dent. The woman was immediately distraught when she saw what she had done. She explained that she did not have auto insurance because she could not afford it. Without skipping a beat, my grandfather said, “Oh don’t worry about it at all. It’s just a little dent. Accidents happen.” The woman was so relieved and happy. I thought my grandfather was an angel; always a kind and generous man. I also knew my parents were generous when it came to church giving. It was like that’s just what you do, you give to the church.
Lastly, our family quickly learned of the generosity of many; neighbors, people from the church, and friends and family when our family was involved in a serious automobile accident when our kids were young. Food, flowers, balloons, toys and games kept coming. People were also generous with their time as we needed physical or transportation help. People were constantly offering their help any way we needed it. We were forever appreciative.
Throughout these examples in my life, I learned just how important it was for people to be generous. It’s as much for them as it is for the people it is offered to. People instinctively want to love – and it fills them up and gives them purpose at the same time. In our family, we also keep in mind the scripture Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, from him much is expected.” It’s always important to be generous with the gifts we have been given through our time, money and talents.
Good Shepherd has always been there for our family in times of need and to help us to learn and grow in our faith. Through the generosity of our congregation, Good Shepherd can continue to do great things. We are grateful for the feeling of home when we walk through the doors.
Diane and Tim Hanson joined Good Shepherd in 1992. They have been married for 29 years and have four daughters aged 18, 19, 19 and 23. Diane is the owner of Thinking In Sync and founder of United Madison.
