By Carla Long, Presiding Bishopric
Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return.
My son, Ari, was the most generous child I’ve ever known, but only when his cup was full. When he felt secure, loved, and supported, he would share his toys, his time, and his creativity without a second thought. I remember watching him at the park, offering his favorite truck to a complete stranger, his face beaming with the joy of connection. He was an embodiment of what I’ve come to understand as Creative Abundance, the belief that there is always enough for everyone.
But when his own needs were unmet—when he was tired, hungry, or feeling ignored—the shift was dramatic. A toddler who, moments before, would have given you the shirt off his back, would suddenly become a fortress around his possessions. “Mine!” he would shriek, pulling a toy close and guarding it fiercely. His generosity would vanish, replaced by a scarcity mindset that saw every potential interaction as a threat to what he believed was his.
I’ve come to see that this isn’t just a toddler phase; it’s a fundamental part of human nature. We, too, can live from a place of fear and scarcity, hoarding our resources, our time, and our compassion. We convince ourselves there isn’t enough to go around, so we must compete and accumulate. We forget we are called to a different way.
The idea of Creative Abundance offers a hopeful path forward. It’s an invitation to trust that God’s goodness flows endlessly through the world, and that we are invited to join in that flow. It’s the simple choice to live with open hands, sharing what we have—our talents, our resources, our stories—for the good of all.
Ari, in his most honest and vulnerable moments, showed me this truth in its purest form. When he felt deeply loved, he mirrored that love back to the world. His generosity was not a transaction; it was a reflection of the security in his heart. It was a beautiful reminder that when we live with trust, our hands are open not just to receive, but to give, creating a better world for everyone.
Prayer Phrase
“…share abundantly in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
From Scarcity to Abundance
Take a deep breath and release your fear of “not enough.” Name one place of scarcity in your life, then name one way you already see abundance. Offer a simple prayer of gratitude: “God, open my eyes to your abundance.”
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.