Without Charity, I am Nothing

I have often wondered if a mother has ever named her three daughters: Faith, Hope and Charity. Then, to insult two of her daughters, how do you think they feel when they read in Corinthians when Paul says the greatest of these three is charity. Hmm?

Well, I am trying to become more charitable. I have a number of children, and sometimes I feel I am not very nice to them. I get stressed out, overwhelmed and all things mothers get. But, it's not their fault that I feel this way. Why should I take it out on them?

So I have made a vow to become more charitable. I am making a concerted effort to control my thoughts, judgments and bite my tongue. Those are hard tasks if you think about it.

I am guilty of pre-judging people -- more often lately than I care to admit. Even when I am impatiently waiting for sub-par service at a department store, I am going to try to look on the bright side.

I waited in Ross Department store yesterday while they had seemingly only one employee clocked in available at the register. Amid frustrated customers, I chatted non-chalantly with the other patrons -- something I never do. I am usually penning a mean, nasty note in my head that I will write to the manager once I get out of there. However, I tried to ease the tension. I even chatted with the girl behind the counter who barely knew English. She was probably grateful to have a job even though her lunch break was abbreviated due to us impatient mothers waving our credit cards.

So, I am on to conquer the charity battle. I don't want to do it alone. Like the ladies who appeased me in Ross with idle chit chat back, I want others to reciprocate.

Take my challenge. Why don't you try to be more charitable in all venues of life this week and then let me know how it goes. Not all stories will be successful. Don't shy away from telling your failures. I know I'll have my share. But, please do share -- and be charitable. Don't be Faith or Hope yet. Go for the best of the three.