Three penneys, a nickel and a dime. It was a quick hand off. Non-chalant. We were “closing shop” as the church service had been long over. All attendees had trickled out when one of the greeters said, “Oh, I almost forgot. Josh wanted us to put this in the offering plate.” Five coins whose sum total wouldn’t even buy a stick of gum…and yet. My heart was pierced. Immediately, I thought of the widows mite.
“Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4 ESV
Our friend Josh has no income. He lives in a home where developmentally delayed individuals have opportunities for an integrated life in their community. He’s been a member of our church for years. Some day’s he’s dropped off at the door. Other days he rides his adult sized tricycle. When Josh gave his gift I was convicted.
When was the last time I gave ALL I had?
The Holy Spirit wasn’t whispering words of financial conviction as I watched the coins pass hands. Rather, I was immediately pierced in knowing that there was a relationship in my life in which I was holding back. I was in the midst of a relational tug-of-war with someone I cared deeply about. But I had found myself heading down the slippery slope of an ice cold heart hardened by hurt.
“What about me?”
“Haven’t I done enough?”
“When will it be my turn?”
Josh’s gift that Sunday warmed my hardened heart and caused me to re-frame my questions. I am certain that Jesus’ observations about the widow and her mite is far more reaching than money. Sometimes it’s about even harder things like relationships and expectations.
How good it is to know that God cares enough to weigh our hearts and motives and re-direct us when we near the injurious slant of a bent perspective. He knows why and how much we give. He also enables us to trust in Him so that we too can say,
“Search me, Oh God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” Psalm 139:23 ESV
I’m so grateful for Josh’s gift that day. It was the timely reminder I needed that giving all I have has less to do with WHAT I have than it has to do with in WHOM I place my trust. Today I trust in His provision for renewed vigor to love and serve, all the while knowing that when it comes to me He says…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11 NLT
(Today’s featured photo is a necklace. Doc bought it for me years ago from a bazaar outside Jerusalem. It is a mite. A monetary coin like the one the widow gave. In recent days it’s spent more time around my neck than in my grandmother’s jewelry box. I’m thinkin’ we all need a tangible reminder now and then.)
Your DoAhead Friend,
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