The Rent is Due Everyday!
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 35 seconds
“You have been very generous, Mr. Brown, but I am calling today to see if you can help with a matching grant.”
The woman’s voice sounded sincere, and her request was pulling at my heartstrings.
Since the love of my life died, my charitable contributions have increased dramatically.
I responded. “I am not generous; I am trying to pay the rent I owe for living in a broken world. How would my donation be used?
She explained the initiative, how much they needed to implement it, and the benefits of the matching donation.
“That sounds good, but give me a day or two to think about how I might be able to help.”
It was not the response she wanted or that I would typically have given.
I have given more in the last three years than we contributed over a decade.
For the first time since 1974, I am filing my federal income taxes as a single person. All of my itemized deductions are for charitable donations.
Of course, I also volunteer and encourage non-profit leaders with new ideas.
I will not stop paying my rent every day, but my goal for 2023 is to focus on fewer charities so I can have a greater impact.
It is one of the crucial lessons that Jan taught me.
Each gift I make is one I know she would support.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
I receive a commission when you buy a book or product using a link on this page. Thank you for supporting Sharing Jan’s Love blog.
One of the end-of-year tasks that Jan and I would do together would be to make our final charitable contributions.
Although most donations are made monthly, there is always a list at the end of the year.
Two years ago, Jan was in the emergency room, and I had to do them with her consultation.
It was a frantic effort as the clock ticked rapidly toward midnight, but we completed the task.
