The January 2010 edition of Imprimis from Hillsdale college featured some surprising facts. In a speech given at the college, Adam Meyerson, president of the Philanthropy Roundtable, reported American gave over $300 billion to charity last year. Meyerson goes on to share the magnitude of this figure as it is twice what we spent on consumer electronics, three times the amount that's spent on gambling, and ten times the amount spent on professional sports. Truly what it comes to charity, Americans repeatedly and generously open their wallets.

And that's a good thing. It's significant to be a nation that can be counted of not only to give in times of despair but in "normal" times as well. In fact, it's good to be a nation that can be depended upon to open their wallets when disaster strikes.  However, while it's a good thing, it's not the only thing. Ask people what's harder - writing a check or investing in lives and most people will quickly agree it's the former. Sure, there are times when money is tight and giving up some of our hard-earned income seems monumental, but compare that with the cost of giving of ourselves and it's a no-brainer. Going the distance, literally or figuratively, and giving of our time, abilities, skills and experience is the true measure of our generosity. After all, our Savior's generosity is not only revealed in the gifts He gives, but also in the way He actively participates in our lives, and in the way He gave up His. 

May we continue to be a nation that gives our money generously But may we also become a nation where the measure of time that we spend investing in the lives of others is twice what we spend on the computer, three times the amount spent on entertainment, and ten times what we spend watching our favorite sports teams. In other words, may the generosity of our actions outshine the generosity of our wallets, and may our donations to charity be just the beginning of our giving.    

What can we do to motivate ourselves (and others) to live generously?