$59.76 and the heart of generosity

by Eric Most

Last fall, I formalized my side hobby, combining my love for the outdoors and my love for facilitating connections into Selah Wilderness Adventuresopens in a new tab. Throughout the year, I take pastors and ministry workers on short trips through the mountains to help find rest and restoration through God’s creation. My sons, Hudson and Elijah, have been involved along the way, hiking trails with me and talking about what stewardship means to them.

Those conversations didn’t start with this new venture. In our home, generosity conversations are commonplace, and giving is even written into our Family Statement of Faith. Making generosity real to my boys has been a lifetime effort, and my wife and I pray that our boys will understand that God is the owner while we are all His temporary stewards.

One practical way we live this out is by dividing their allowance into “spend money” and “give money.” They are free to enjoy what they spend and have a responsibility for how they give. Especially at Christmas, we are intentional about keeping our primary focus on Jesus and on blessing others, even as we still exchange gifts as a family.

But on Christmas Day this year, Hudson and Elijah surprised me. They handed me a white envelope with “Merry Christmas Dad” written across the front in yellow highlighter, and “For Selah Wilderness Adventures” on the back. Inside was $59.76, pooled together from both their give money and their spend money. As I opened it, they said, “We knew what you wanted most was to be able to help more people.”

I was so moved by their gift and the pure heart behind it. I’ve shared before how we can learn from children’s natural generosity, but hadn’t expected to be on the receiving end.

Their generosity reflected three principles of giving and three questions for reflection that shape how I think about generosity:

1. Give sacrificially

Their gift wasn’t just from their set aside “give money.” They chose to give up the books and toys they wanted so others could be helped. Being generous doesn’t start with what’s left over or already earmarked but often costs something meaningful.

Do I give what is comfortable, or what is costly in a way that reflects trust in God?

2. Give thoughtfully

Even at their young ages, they noticed a need and responded to it with purpose. In the same way, generosity grows deeper when it is aligned with the work and causes God has placed on our hearts.

Am I giving to the causes God is calling me to support?

3. Give in a timely manner

Hudson and Elijah recognized that this venture is just getting off the ground, and they actually made the very first donations I’d received. Their gift arrived at exactly the right moment. Generosity is not only about what we give, but when we give.

Am I attentive to the opportunities God is placing in front of me right now?

As we begin 2026, I pray you’ll reflect on these questions as you evaluate your heart toward giving. If you’re looking for next steps in how to foster a spirit of generosity, our Giving Strategy™opens in a new tab can help. Contact our teamopens in a new tab to get started.