“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” – Kathy Calvin

There are so many great causes that are in need of help these days that it can be difficult to narrow them down in order to pick the ones where you feel the best about helping.  And the more you are in a position to give back, the more people come to you with new opportunities to serve.  

There are many different ways in which one can serve – giving ones time, giving ones money, giving ones connections and network, giving of ones talents, etc.   And at different times in our lives we find ourselves able to give more in one way or another – for example while we are still struggling to make a living ourselves we may be able to give more time than money, and when we are financially comfortable we may find we can give more money than time.  The important thing is that we find a way to contribute at each phase of our life in whatever way we are able and then try to discover which way of giving provides us the most fulfillment. 

Since selling my company back in 2012 I’ve learned many great lessons about charitable giving.  I’ve given of my time and talents, I’ve served on boards, I’ve written checks, and done combinations of those.  Throughout that process I’ve been able to discover which way of giving motivates me to want to give the most.  For me it’s those opportunities where I can help form the vision and then be personally involved in bringing that vision about.  When the opportunity to do that exists I find myself putting a crazy amount of time and resource into bringing great things about.  

Each of us must discover for ourselves what drives us to give the most. Then seek out opportunities to serve in those ways that provide you the greatest fulfillment.  

“Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the Lord.” – Neil T. Anderson

~Amy Rees Anderson (author of the book “What Awesome Looks Like: How To Excel in Business & Life” )