A Lesson in Giving from a Six Year Old
During a recent Sunday at our church, my wife and I both doubled our offering amounts for Super Sunday. So when a leader asked us to give a little more for the pastor's aid offering, I knew I didn't have much left. I dug into my wallet, and found nothing. In desperation I dug into my pockets, and the only money I could find was $.35. A quarter and a dime.
Thirty-five cents. It seemed like such a small amount for a grown man to give, but it was all I could give, so I resolved that I would give it.
As they called for our section to stand, I stood and closed the quarter and dime tightly in my fist. I'd give, but I didn't want someone to see me, and think I was being "cheap". Then my granddaughter Kaylin filed past. She was smiling broadly, walking confidently, and there ceremoniously perched in the palm of her upturned hand was..
You guessed it: a quarter and a dime.
I relaxed the tight grip on my offering. If giving $.35 was enough to bring a smile to my granddaughter's face, it was enough to bring a smile to mine. I walked up and dropped my two coins in the Pastor's offering basket, flashing a big smile to the ladies from Pastor's Aid. They both flashed big smiles back. Apparently, they understood that I gave from what I had, no matter how large or how small. Once I released it, it was up to God to stretch and provide.
When I returned to my seat, I was singing happily, and probably looked like I had dropped a hundred dollar bill in the basket.
Thank you Lord, for the joy you give children. Thank you for parents who teach their children to give cheerfully, so us old folks can learn too.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Posts
