“No! William! I’m having it!”

It’s a fairly common refrain in our house. William has
something. Penny grabs it. William cries and grabs it back. Penny reprimands. I
intervene.

I wrote a few weeks back about “ Don’t Grab,” but around the
same time I was struck by the relevance of another word I use all day long with
my children: Share. It’s a basic concept, of course, but it’s about as hard for
me as it is for Penny and William.

Jesus said, “Do to others as you would have them do to
you” (Luke 6:31). Honestly, I hadn’t given this “Golden” rule much thought
until recently. I’m a Christian, generally considered a nice person, so I assumed
that “doing unto others” came naturally to me. But I am
often tempted to hold back from others what I would want for myself.

It’s easiest for me to explain what I mean when it comes to
writing. As I’ve had opportunities to write more and make contacts with writers
and publications, I’ve found myself reluctant to share what I’ve been given
with writers who are doing similar things but haven’t yet been connected in the
same way. I find myself worried that if I recommend that someone read a blog,
or a book, or an article by another up-and-coming writer, I might just watch as
my own success gets surpassed by someone else. Give and take is relatively
easy. I’m pretty generous when it comes to things I’m not worried about losing.
Giving to others what I want when I don’t have it myself… that’s a lot harder.

But I think that’s what Jesus was getting at. Even if you
don’t have it yourself, give it away. Even if your resources seem limited, act
as though you have an abundance. Even if you are worried or tired or jealous–share.

I try to remember what I tell Penny and William. That when I’m
tempted to stomp my feet and yell, “No! I’m having it!” instead I can say, “Would
you like a turn?” And trust that sharing leads to blessing all around.