There's More Than One Way to Be a Generous Giver

A while ago I listened to a sermon on hospitality. I don't know why I did, because I was sure it would just make me feel guilty that we don't have people come to our house very often. But I was pleasantly suprised. The preacher started off by telling how he and his wife had learned to practice hospitality. They had found ways to show kindness and honour to the old people in their community. Because they had resthomes they visited, they decided to start there. This encouraged me, because although we don't often have people in our home, we do have a ministry in town where we cook for elderly and lonely people in our community once a week. 
When I think of hospitality, I always think of opening your home to others. But this  preacher thought about it simply as loving your neighbour. He used the good Samaritan as an example of hospitality. 
My point is there is more than one way to be hospitable. But there is also more than one way to be a giver. When I think of giving, I mostly think of giving money.
But I have been making a list of all the different ways/things we can give and the list is very long.
1. Money
2. Smiles
3. Cards or letters
4. Words of Affirmation
5. Encouragement
6. Prayer
7. Baking--Cakes, Biscuits etc.
8. Meals
9.Gift Cards
10. Presents
11. Practical Help
12. Babysitting
13. A listening ear/Full attention
14. Time
15. Hand-me-downs
16. Text messages/Phone calls/Emails etc.
17.Whatever you have an abundance of--eg.Fruit, Vegetables, Meat etc.
18. Appreciation/thanks
19. Your home--Inviting someone for dinner, a cup of tea, a place to stay etc.
20. Books
21. Hugs
22. Talents
What would we have to read, sing, listen to, watch etc. if no one shared their talents??
23.The benefit of the doubt
Don't assume what you don't know. Be kind in your thoughts.
24. Favourite songs/music, websites, blogs, sermons --Anything that you have found helpful.
I love it that my family often send me a favourite sermon, song or website etc. Sometimes they have been such a help.
25. Support
Just to have someone there in a hard time can make all the difference. Even if you don't know what to say and it's awkward!
26. Forgiveness
27. Truth
Sometimes we need to give someone the truth, no matter how hard it is.
28. The Gospel
29. Opportunities
It's a frustration when you want to help someone and they won't let you. If people want to bless you, let them. It's also kind to give our children opportunities to learn to do things even though it's much easier to do it ourselves.
30. Transparency
It's hard and embarrassing to be honest and transparent, but it can help others.
31. Testimonies/Experiences
Sharing what God has done for us can encourage others.
32. Practical tips
I love practical tips and am glad when I find someone who shares them!
33. Grace
34. Spiritual Encouragement/Instruction/God's Word etc. 
35. A friendly greeting
Our little girl with Downs is a pro at this. When I take her places, she acknowledges every person she sees with a wave and a hello. Sometimes they don't even see her, but she still does it. 
36. Friendship
37. Flowers
38. Treats -Chocolates etc.
39. Respect

 I'm sure there's many more!