A lesson on Giving

 

As a family, we decided to prepare a care package for a family in need overseas. We had done this before, usually by setting aside gently used items we no longer needed. However, this time my husband suggested that the girls actually go shopping and buy items they would choose for themselves. I thought, "Oh, that can’t be easy for the little ones." Clearly, they would want to keep those things for themselves. What I didn’t realize, though, was that it would be just as hard for me.

As I rummaged through my belongings, wondering what I could possibly give, my gaze fell on a pair of boots I had just purchased recently. I had been so excited to have finally found them. "Oh no," I thought to myself. Surely, you don't want me to give those boots, Lord?" Here I was, believing it would be difficult for my younger children, not recognizing that it was just as hard for me.

The verse "...And from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Lu. 12:48 NIV) took on a whole new meaning for me that day. God has truly given me much. Unlike the family we were preparing the package for, I can sit down and order any pair of boots I want. Some time ago, I couldn't do that, which is when I gave away the gently used items I no longer needed. Now that I have been entrusted with much more, I understand that God can also expect much more from me.

“Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise, it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” -Corrie Ten Boom