There are a lot of piles in our house. The weather is cool and we’re pulling out our fall clothes. We’re in the process of deciding what to keep, what to donate and what to throw away.

I used to be one that donated everything. If I didn’t want it, I threw it in the donate pile. I figured someone could use it and it made me feel generous. But that has changed. I once heard a missionary share a story that changed my outlook on donating and gave it a bigger purpose. I wish I could remember her name to give her the credit but for the story’s sake, I’ll call her Mary.

Mary and her husband had served in Africa as missionaries for 20 years. They were retiring and moving back to the States. Mary worked busily at home, packing up their belongings sorting and making piles of what to keep and what to give away to their African friends.

In my previous post, I talked about a book I'm reading right now (and loving), "The Gift" by Lewis Hyde.

At International Arts Movement, we talk a lot about radical generosity. This is one of our core values (which include wresting with the deep questions of art, faith and humanity; embodying and fostering aspirational and enterprising spirits in artists; and rehumanizing every aspect of our culture). This is something we want to see more of - artists who "get" that their art is a gift, not a commodity. Where much has been given, much is required.

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