“…We must now consider what is the main cause of ingratitude…”

This week, I am reading a quote from On Benefits by Seneca the Younger, published in 59 AD.

Reflection questions:

• Have we noticed signs of excessive esteem, greed or jealousy slipping into our thinking when we are reviewing our campaign goals and what donors have given?
• What are ways you can lean into gratitude this week?

Reflection on quote:

In our final episode on developing discipline during capital campaigns, we are discussing ongoing stewardship and the mindsets that can block gratitude.  Throughout this series, we used the metaphor of riding a wild stallion without a saddle. Previously, we discussed developing disciplines with money beliefs, prioritizing tasks, planting seeds of awareness, and the fear of rejection. 

During capital campaigns, we can fall into one of these mindsets that block ongoing gratitude and stewardship because we are confident in the necessity of our work and this campaign project. As a result, we might believe that donors are duty-bound to give to our campaign. We might continually expect donors to give more and more to the campaign. Or, we might be jealous of other campaigns where a donor gave more. 

It is easy for us to slip into these root causes of ingratitude, especially when we are faced with the pressures of a campaign.  When we do, to paraphrase Seneca, we become unworthy of what we have received.  And, in small towns, our ingratitude is often discussed among donors. The reality is that donors do not have to fund our campaigns or fund them at a greater extent than other campaigns. Instead, we develop a discipline of gratitude for every donation.

Next week, we will start a series on leading with integrity during a capital campaign.

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop