Why I Give

by Julie Shuman

Deuteronomy 15:10 

 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

When I was asked to write this piece about giving, my honest first thought was, "Why me?" I was told I was a great example because I'm a new mom, a teacher, a church member and deacon. So what? So are a lot of people. So what makes me different?

I took a week to think it over before I even decided to write this. But the more I thought and reflected on myself and my actions, I realized that on a daily basis, I help people. That's my job. I work as a high school librarian. I can't count the number of times during the day that I hear the words, "Mrs. Shuman, can you help me?" And honestly, on most days, that is music to my ears. I am needed; I can offer my assistance to others. Not only do I help the students at my school, I also help the teachers. Find a resource, get a Chromebook Cart, fix a printer, confer on a citation question...this is all a typical day for me. And when I get home, I'm mom and wife. That means a house to clean, dinner to cook, a very energetic child to care for. The requests put upon me are never ending.

Now that is quite a picture I have just painted. Do I want to pull my hair out? Some days, yes! But would I change any of it? Not in a million years. I am a very blessed person. I have a wonderful family, my family and I are healthy, I have great friends, a job I love - I could go on and on. I am so grateful for all of these things, and I know they are all blessings from God. He has been very good to me, because I serve Him as much as I can. My service to Him is by serving others.