Why I Give: Sue Kratochvil
Hi, I’m Sue Kratochvil and I’ve been around since April 2020.
This is why I give:
First, it’s what we do for our family. We’re doing this life together, and by kicking into the kitty each week, not only do the monthly basics get paid, but some emergency needs can be met, AND we can make good and necessary things happen around us, as we see the need.
Second, the God I chase is creative, generous, and loving. If I’m made in THAT God’s image, it follows that I should be those things too. (Clearly, this is a case of my faking it till I make it & can fully embody those characteristics, but the reasoning stands.)
Third, it’s ridiculously easy. Have you ever heard someone say, “it’s easy to just give money, but you don’t really get it till you volunteer to do XYZ”? Nonsense. Someone in the UPS line on Wednesday had a fitness T shirt that read “Easy is a sin”. Nah, girl, “easy” can be good stewardship of your resources.
Fourth, the dopamine hit I get each Sunday around 2pm when I’m doing something selfish and Sabbath-y, and the email notification chimes through from Breeze Church Management saying “Thanks for your donation! We’ve received your money! signed, Austin New Church”…. CANNOT BE OVERSTATED! Thank you, past me, for setting up these future moments that remind me each week that I am doing SOMETHING to make God’s – and our—world a little better.
I have one last thing to share. I’m a widow. Of a musician. Which is to say I live very paycheck to paycheck. I put my giving at the top of my non-negotiables, along with shelter and food, and I am never lacking the funds to meet those obligations. Some might say that’s divine providence for having my priorities right. I think it might have something to do with having an income just big enough to meet my budget. But the way I structure my giving at the top of the list probably saves me from any number of ridiculous and embarrassing impulse buys that I’d be doing for the dopamine hit at the bottom of that list, if it weren’t for this little bit of God-mindfulness.
So. I give because:
I love my people.
It’s a God-ish thing to do.
it’s easy; and
it makes me feel good.
I hope one of these reasons makes sense to you, too.