| Proverbs 31:20 – “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” |
One of my favorite books when I was growing up was Little Women. It is the story of the March family – four young daughters and their mother who were left to fend for themselves while their father was fighting in the Civil War. They were quite poor, and the book begins with the girls longing for Christmas presents but knowing there was no money. On Christmas morning they awoke to find a meager breakfast and a small gift or two. As they were about to start eating, Mother walked in with news of a nearby family with a new baby, no wood for heat and no food. The baby was sick, and the other children were starving. The girls quickly packed up their sparse breakfast, loaded their arms with some precious firewood, and headed out to spread Christmas cheer. As hard as it was for them to give up their simple breakfast, they used it as a blessing for others.
How willing are we to share with others, especially if we feel we are struggling ourselves? Whether we fear that the gift will seem inadequate, or are worried about meeting our own needs first, the temptation is to feel like we need to wait until we can do something big before reaching out to others. What we often fail to realize is that our meager gift could mean the world to someone else. God sees our offerings and is faithful to reward us later.
Footnote: The March sisters returned home to find an elaborate Christmas lunch that was given to them by a wealthy neighbor after he had heard of their generosity. In the same way, God will pour out blessings we cannot imagine if we will but obey him and share what we have (even if it is all we have) with those who are in need.
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to see the needs in the world around us, and to respond by sharing the gifts you have so lavishly given us. Even in times of difficulty, we can share care and compassion to others. Thank you for loving us and for providing for our needs. Amen
Betty Gossell
