Whether it is in marriage, business, or non profit work – every now and then, we find ourselves attempting to convince others to give us something that we feel like we need.

“I’ve been married to you for 9 years now, and you still don’t vacuum the living room as often as I would hope.”

“You should invest in this new venture.”

“I’d like to pitch you this product.”

“I barely know you, but would you donate to our cause?”

Here is the question we often ask ourselves: “How do I get want I want from this person?”

As a result, we find ourselves treating our family, customers, donors or colleagues like ATM machines. Only making (sometimes demanding) withdrawals when we need something from them.

What if we approached this through a different vantage point? Through the lens of “Plenty”?

As in, not only do they have plenty to offer you (DUH), but you have plenty to offer them.

As in energy, expertise, friendship, a listening ear, care, community, an innovative product or an invitation into a story.

Here’s a quote from a really good book – “At the present time, your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.”

We must work to put ourselves on equal footing with people who have ‘less’ than us or ‘more’ than us.

We must ask ourselves “What is their need? Have I been given something that I can give away to them out of my plenty?”

What if we valued making deposits into the life of our spouses, into the lives of our clients, deposits into the families of those who support our ministry, or deposits into the vision of their businesses?

I think we should all seriously consider it. We all have incredible things to offer each other.

May you go forth in confidence today, knowing that you have been given things that are worthy of sharing.

May we work hard to share our lives with each other today.

Kevin

PS – I’m really good at vacuuming. Plus it doesn’t take that long. It’s a part of my plenty that I can give to Sarah. If I choose…