Scrooge
by Sharron Cosby
“It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself”
(Proverbs 11:25, TLB).
Most of us know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly curmudgeon in Charles Dickens’s novella, A Christmas Carol. He was a grumpy tightwad who eschewed all gestures of kindness and generosity.
On Christmas Eve, he received visitations from three ghosts: Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. Each one showed him scenes from his life, pointing out the hurts he had suffered and would suffer.
Scrooge’s pivotal moment occurred during the third visitation when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come transported him to the funeral of a man so disliked, only a few businessmen attended because they were promised lunch afterward. Then he showed Scrooge an unattended grave with a tombstone bearing his name. No one cared enough to groom his gravesite.
In that moment, Scrooge’s life changed. He thought and acted differently, no longer pinching pennies, but sharing his wealth. He donated to charities. He gave Cratchit a raise. Fresh generosity marked his behavior.
As writers, we can hoard our wealth of writing knowledge and line our bookshelves with conference notes. Or bypass mentoring opportunities with beginning writers thinking we’re too busy to lend a helping hand. We can avoid critique groups assuming there’s nothing those people could offer us.
Or we can generously share our writing resources and what we’ve learned at conferences. We can join like-minded writers and polish each other’s words, sharing the messages God has given us. And we can appreciate and applaud each other’s publication successes.
Today’s scripture reminds us that as we water others, we are watered. Our generosity will reap rewards.
Our Father, thank you for the generous people who have crossed my writing path, willing to water my words. May I do likewise. Amen.
Sharron Cosby is a proud Alabama native transplanted in the sands of Florida. Sharron is an award-winning author and loves speaking to groups on her family’s journey through addiction, although she can address other topics. Her book, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90, is a devotional for families who love an addict. Connect with Sharron at www.SharronCosby.com
I agree with your encouragement and message of sharing.
Thank you for your forever encouragement
Thank you, Sharron, for your encouraging words and your help with my writing projects. I am honored to be counted as your fellow Word Weaver.
Janet, I’m honored each time we work together.
Sharon, congratulations again on your award for this powerful, well-written piece. Thank you for offering us a picture of generosity with all God gives us.