It’s always inspiring to meet or learn about people who share our philosophy of “you can do more that matters.” Wealth Impact Partners has been blessed with so many clients and colleagues who are committed to releasing their time, talent, and treasure in support of causes and organizations that are doing important work and improving the condition of our community and our world. 

So I was interested to recently discover that the famous 16^th century Swiss theologian, John Calvin, long ago recognized how an unhealthy fear and an overly worrisome focus on the resources we’ll need for our future, can constrain us and keep us from our true potential for making an impact. In one of his many commentaries Calvin wrote: 

What makes us more close-handed than we ought to be is when we look too carefully, and too far forward, in contemplating the dangers that may occur—when we are excessively cautious and careful—when we calculate too narrowly what we will require during our whole life, or, in fine, how much we lose when the smallest portion is taken away. The man that depends upon the blessing of the Lord has his mind set free from these trammels and has, at the same time, his hands opened for beneficence. 

Regardless of our particular religious beliefs or faith traditions, Calvin so artfully puts forth in this text (through the somewhat archaic syntax and language) the inspiring idea that when we are able to find real clarity and confidence about our future, we become freed up to be less “close-handed” and instead, are empowered and emboldened - to open our hands with greater responsibility, leadership and generosity – for the benefit of others.  

In these difficult economic times, charitable and non-profit human service organizations are being pressed as never before. Deep cuts in state and local funding sources have reduced their budgets, thus limiting the services they can provide to the unemployed, the hungry, and the homeless, whose numbers are rising every day.  It has never been more critical for these agencies to find new means for sustaining their good work.  

This is where each of us can make a significant difference and help organizations succeed and thrive. Our passion is to help individuals and families realize their true capacity to “do more” today and in the future, so they can better support and engage with the causes and organizations they care about most.  

The holiday season is a time of year when generosity seems to come more naturally to people. And when we see the impact that generosity has on others, especially children, we often think, “Why can’t it be like this all through the year?” 

Perhaps it can be, if only we take the time to think differently, plan better, and pursue this financial freedom and greater generosity for ourselves and our families. That’s how real life and legacy begin.