Today's MOZEN: Don't Be Afraid to Give

F LoBuono

Apparently, according to the new GOP fueled tax reform law, charitable donation deductions will be limited and, in some cases, eliminated entirely. Of course, this latest development has non-profits deeply concerned for their futures. Giving when associated with some type of return for one's efforts generally makes it more attractive. Removing that additional incentive leaves them with obvious trepidation*.

But, it shouldn't.

Look. Everyone likes to save a buck - especially those of us who don't make that many. So, it's not unethical to get something back for whatever you give. However, it should NOT be the prime motivation for giving. Donating to charitable causes produces an effect far beyond the mundane world of $ and cents.

In eastern philosophies it is known as KARMA - in Western circles it's what goes around, comes around. I suppose the most simple way to explain it is to say giving to those in need is its own reward. However, the return on our investment is not often readily or quickly apparent. And,we live in an age of instant gratification. We don't like to wait for anything. Every TV ad promises QUICK delivery, SWIFT service, and IMMEDIATE satisfaction. And, god help them if they don't deliver! When it comes to giving and no one seems to notice, we lose patience and say to ourselves, it's just not worth it. Nobody cares.

Well, giving (and, Karma) doesn't always work like that. Unfortunately, we can feel that our good deeds are often overlooked, if not downright forgotten (see Shakespeare, "Julius Caesar" - the good that men do is oft interred with their bones.). But, there is a deeper satisfaction, an inner peace, that comes with the act of giving. And, if you "allow" that to enter your heart, often the fact the no one knows that you gave gives one an even greater feeling of well-being in discovering that, in the bigger picture of things, it will NOT go unnoticed - it will come back to you - if not today, then someday. But, it will. And, in an even greater amount than what you gave.

So, for the new year Keep the Faith. Give for its own Sake - Because it's the right thing to do. Always.


*https://www.reuters.com/article/us-money-taxes-charity/new-u-s-tax-law-could-curb-charitable-donations-idUSKBN1DU2J3