A Life of Generosity

The following is an excerpt from A Life of Generosity: 21 Days to Living a Full Life With a Generous Heart by CJ Hitz

When I was a kid growing up in the small logging town of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, I had the opportunity to watch several instances of generosity that have stuck with me ever since. They involved my dad and a homeless man named “Claude.”

Claude would roam the highways and byways on his worn out bicycle and a huge pack with all of his earthly belongings. I am still amazed at how the man was able to pedal his bike with that load on his back!

On many occasions, while accompanying my dad as he drove into town, we would see Claude riding on the side of the road. Typically, dad would pull ahead and stop alongside the road to wait for Claude. It was about this time that I would shrink into my seat for fear of being noticed by any of my friends.

To be honest, I was embarrassed to be seen with this “hobo” of a guy who had the odor of someone who had not taken a shower in years. My friends and I had nicknames for many of the “colorful characters” wandering our area. Claude was simply known as “Dirt Claude” – as in a clump of dirt.

But my dad saw through the dirt. He saw a man who still deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances that led to his homelessness. As Claude would ride up next to our truck, dad would actually step out and greet him. I can still see Claude’s big toothless smile as he would say, “Hey Kenny, good to see you.”

They would chat for 15-20 minutes before dad would almost always put a $20 bill in Claude’s hand and give him a hug upon saying goodbye. Neither of them ever seemed in a rush. Claude would soak up the attention that every human being craves and my dad was more than willing to offer. It was generosity that went beyond just money.

One day my dad came home with some sad news. “Claude died yesterday.” My heart sank as I thought about how often people made fun of Claude, myself included. “Apparently, they found Claude frozen to death under an overpass…said his body was as hard as an ice cube.”

As hard as an ice cube.

Those words still ring in my ears to this day. What a lonely, agonizing way to spend your last hours on this earth. Claude could not have been older than 30. It very well could be that my dad was the last kind face Claude ever saw before his passing.

After all these years, my dad’s actions remain a powerful and vivid example of rich generosity not easily found in our world. It is the kind of generosity that Jesus demonstrated daily during the 33 years he walked on this earth.

It is an example worth following.

Over the years, the Lord has given me many opportunities to show generosity. Unfortunately, I have not responded to all of those opportunities. In fact, only heaven knows the full impact of what I have missed out on and what others were deprived of as a result.

Over the course of these next 21 days, it is my hope to grow deeper as I’m challenged to be more generous with my money, time, talents and, finally, my love for God and others. It is a chance to allow the Lord to sharpen my “generosity senses” and be more tuned into His frequency.

Regarding Jesus, I recently heard a child say, “He’s the man that gave God a good reputation.” Ha! So true! Let’s look at these next 21 days as a jumpstart that leads to a lifestyle of generosity that gives God a good reputation!

Will You Join Me?

It’s our prayer that you’ll grow a little closer to the Author of generosity.

In the 21 days that follow, you’re going to see unique snapshots of God’s generosity as He uses people. Each one of us has the potential to be a powerful tool in the hands of God. May this little book give you inspiration as you enjoy seeing generosity through the eyes of each author.

Will you consider joining me in these 21 Days of Generosity Challenge? It may look different for you and that’s okay. Simply ask God what He wants you to do and then do it.

Are you ready to get started? Let’s start with a prayer…

Lord I thank You for each person who reads this book and lifts up these prayers to You. I pray that You would do a mighty work in their hearts as they spend these next 21 days in prayer with You. Change them from the inside out through Your Word and prayer. Give them a hunger and thirst for You that will continue past the last page of this book. We love You and thank You for this opportunity to come to You with our prayers of generosity. Amen.

CJ Hitz is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. He attended Anderson University (Indiana) where he received his BA in Sociology with a minor in Christian Ministries.  He also met his wife Shelley at this fine institution while doing some time in prison…prison ministry that is. In his downtime, CJ enjoys spending time outdoors running, hiking and exploring God’s beautiful creation.  He also does a pretty mean impression of Scooby Doo and Shaggy.

CJ and his wife Shelley founded their independent publishing company, Body And Soul Publishing, in 2012 and have written and published over 50 books since then. They currently reside in Colorado Springs, CO.

Many of their books can be found at www.BodyAndSoulPublishing.com