Have you ever wondered why A Christmas Carol is such a classic? If you are like me, the answer is probably no. However, after taking the time to reflect it has become obvious. There is a little Ebenezer Scrooge in me. As much as I hate to admit it, the truth it is. Am I the "Bah! Humbug!" man depicted in this classic tale? No, but in ways I am. Let me explain.

Keeping myself as the example, if my ambition is to accumulate more for myself and family, what is one word that would describe me? Selfish. You heard me right. I am selfish. Pretty Scrooge-like huh!

Planning, saving, and accumulating is not a bad thing. It's actually a good virtue, but when does it become an easy way to hide my selfishness or greed? The challenge is to uncover the tipping point when virtue becomes greed. Where does it spill over into too much? Where do my needs and wants meet? There is a massive difference between the two. My bet is that everyone who reads this will have some level of excess.

I have heard generosity defined this way. Generous people have a plan for giving. They don't just give out of guilt when asked at the check-out line to donate a dollar to fill in the blank cause. Generous people give regularly to fill a need. It becomes a part of their monthly budget. Let me be so bold as to ask you this question. If you reflect on your actions, do you find yourself complaining about the issues around you or doing something about them? If you asked me that question a couple years ago, my answer would be complaining and no action.

Trust me when I say, life is better when I do not make myself the focus. If taking my word for it is not enough. Read this article from Time talking about some science behind it. The holiday season comes once a year and it is often referred to as the season of giving. Make giving a year-round season. Start to experience the joy that Scrooge finds in the end. If you are struggling to find money to give, please call me at 404-969-2019. I can help you figure it out.