James 1:17 
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
I always get a great feeling from being generous. Even when others would scowl at me, I would still consistently give to those who I thought were in need. From the fire department phone solicitor, to the panhandlers on the Clemente Bridge, to the fraternity students "canning" on Washington road, I am a pushover. When questioned about my gullible nature, my common response is "They need it more than I do."
My scripture reference to this is Acts 20:35: "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
I also have tendency to spread myself very thin with my time. I find it very difficult to say "no" to anyone in need. Often, this leads to me being disheveled as I try to balance a horrendous work schedule, church commitments, volunteer commitments, as well as being a father to a 3 year old, and a husband.
But why do I do this? I have been blessed by the Lord with a wonderful family that loves me, a job where I get to make at least 20 people very happy every day, decent health, food and clean water, a modest house, and a wonderful church. I also have been blessed by knowing people who have inspired me to give more. Hope Packard was such a person here at Center Church.
Hope was constantly giving. From her volunteering through numerous organizations, to her countless generosity at Center Church, she was truly an inspiration who lived up to her name. Hope was known for her skills in quilting. She even wrote books on the subject that can be found in our Church Library. When my wife Karen was pregnant with our daughter Shaylyn, Hope couldn't be more thrilled. She was just glowing as Karen got closer to Shaylyn's due date. When Shaylyn was born, Hope presented us with a prayer quilt that we all treasure to this day.
When Hope was in her final weeks, we went to visit her at Manor Care. She was thrilled to see Shaylyn. She was also thrilled that I had become a Deacon. Despite her poor health, she still had this ability to be radiant and inspire. She said "You will make a great Deacon, and isn't it a blessing to give?"
Yes, it is a blessing to give! This is the great feeling I get from my "gullible generosity." To me, this is the "gift from above" that comes from giving, and this reward is far greater than the material things or time that I may sacrifice. It is my prayer that you remember this in the coming Stewardship Season.
~ Michael Kelley, Deacon Moderator class of 2014
