Being a kind and generous person should be on the top of every person’s goal in life. And generosity overflowing is one of the biggest joys in life, both for the giver and the receiver. But there are days when I wonder if ‘kind’ and ‘generous’ really blend well. Case in point: my friend Ayn.
A Simple Phone Call…
She called me a few months ago and asked me if I wanted some blueberries. Self-sufficient person that I am, I said ‘yes’. She brought blueberries, alright. Four 30-pound cases. In addition, she brought 4 cases of tomato sauce, two cases of dried Lentils, and some snack bars. A perfect example of Generosity Overflowing! It was kind and generous enough that I could pay it forward. I shared some of those goodies with Kathleen, who in turn shared with friends.
Think BIGGER!
A few weeks ago, Ayn called again, wanting to know if I wanted some blueberries. My expectations were a couple of cases. In reality, it ended up being 13 30-pound cases, plus 100 pounds of onions. Yikes! Again, I shared, but this time with several people. My freezers are packed. I have already put up blueberry jam, blueberry sauce, blueberry pie filling, and have two gallons of juice ready to be made into syrup.
Holly to the Rescue!
A girl can only can so many blueberries. And I needed a way to use some of them up. Thankfully, Holly Page came to my rescue. When I offered to give her some blueberries, her daughter Harlie quickly spoke up – Blueberry Dumplings!!!
Huh? What? I had never heard of them. So, Holly graciously not only offered to share the recipe, but she also agreed to let me share it both in my newspaper column and on my website. But first…..
I always taste test any recipe I use. I cannot tell you how to make it, offer any suggestions, or let you know how good it tastes if I haven’t ever tried it. So I made up a batch. And instantly fell in love.
Twice kindness and generosity have danced into my life – first through Ayn, and then through Holly. And it amazes me how being kind and generous can take on a life of its own. Ayn started it, with the offer of blueberries. Holly moved it forward by sharing a recipe to use Ayn’s offering. I am continuing the trend by sharing Holly’s recipe. There is no telling where this train will lead, or who it will reach. Which is a good thing, because this world can use a good dose of ‘Generosity Overflowing’!
Now it’s your turn. Find a way to be kind and generous today. Offer to lend a helping hand; be quick with a kind word; bake a meal for someone in need, or drop off a bag of groceries to a family who is currently out of work. Then do it again tomorrow. Let’s all do our part in making this world a kind and generous place to live.
For Holly’s delicious recipe, visit me in the Kitchen!
Be sure to visit Annie at 15 Acre Homestead and see the creative way she uses blueberries!
This is great! So fun to share and serve others!!
Absolutely, Pamela! I learn so much from everyone else – it’s what helps keep me going!
Great way to share! My neighbors are always getting jars of something from me. They also always give me back the empty jars. Sharing our bounty is not only nice to those we share with, but for us. We get to see the joy and feel joy from it.
It is, Jennifer! I love the giving and receiving around here. My neighbors are great – if they aren’t sharing food, they are sharing the workload, which benefits everyone, all the way around!
You are so blessed to have friends that share the way they do with you! I always share some of what is given to me from others as well as from my own harvests! Kudos for the great attitude and post! I hope it inspires others to do the same!
To me, sharing is what makes life fun. Wish we were closer – I would be more than happy to share some of these blueberries with you!!!