Giving Upwards 2

God gave me another example about giving upwards. For the first part, read the article here.

Recently, it was the birthday of my big cousin. He was the former Managing Director of one of the biggest banks in Uganda.

Like within the family, he was looked at as one of the biggest or wealthiest achievers, even among my classmates ever since they found out we were related.

That status placed him in a position where everyone thinks he doesn’t want. Yes, he may not lack, but that doesn’t disqualify him from being celebrated.

In most cases, when we celebrate people, we convey gifts. Gifts are more dependent on the celebration and independent of the person. What I mean is what causes them to be requirement is the event, as opposed to the person.

We can’t therefore partition people into classes and say ‘This one is deserving of a gift, and this one isn’t.’ Of course words count when someone receives a congratulatory text. But I have taught myself to go beyond words.

The Bible says ‘God so loved the world that He gave …’ Yes He gave us words, but He gave Himself as a present on top of that! That is where I obtained a giving culture beyond words.

The good thing about giving is, no amount is too small, and no one is too great not to receive a gift. Those in high classes should also adapt a culture of humility not to shun whatever nature or kind of gift they receive. Like another cousin said, ‘it is the gesture or thought that counts.’

Now, back to the big cousin I opened the article with. Having graduated last December, I invited him for a small party in that regard on January 12th. From the onset, he was excited to come. This is the busy kind of man; so setting time to show up at my party was really humbling.

He was asked to give a speech! And the last thing he said was, “By the way … my birthday just passed. And among all my friends and family, only Biggie sent me money as a gift!” He joked ahead and said, “Not even my darling wife…” and the crowd burst into laughter — she as well.

I noticed that indeed that gift, and even a few others given earlier, made room for me in him. I also think that was the reason he set apart time to come. Of course I never gave to shackle him in a position that he had to give back; but by default, generosity to others, somehow has a way of indebting whoever is given; even if it was simply helping someone out.

I’ve also learnt the giving tradition from deaths. I hate the fact that after people dying is when men buy the most expensive caskets and flowers to give men whose souls no longer trudge or saunter this realm!

Pointless I say!

Love everyone while they can still say ‘thank you’ back. Because in the grave, they cannot receive your gift! Express love to them (beyond words) while you can…

Those that seem to have everything might not need your money, but they too have emotions. Getting out the way, and doing a little extra, will bless their hearts too; just as much as it would you! If God Himself was provoked by Solomon after a hefty offering, what makes you think men are immune to your giving!

The gesture will always minister unprecedented joy and ‘lovey-doveyness’ to them.

Happy giving upwards!

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Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭16‬ ‭A man’s gift* makes room for him, And brings him before great men. ‭‭

Footnote: I believe, this gift both means a talent, or a literal present.