Luke 21:1-4
Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am reading a book written by one of my favorite authors, Sophie Hudson. It’s called Giddy Up, Eunice!* – and it is basically about how women can support and encourage one another. “Eunice” is a biblical reference to the mother of Timothy (the one in the Bible…not my nephew!). Sophie Hudson has a knack for relating to me in a meaningful way. Perhaps it is the fact that we are both southern girls…or that we both have a deep affection for our mother-in-law. Regardless of the reason, she makes a lot of points about the importance of encouraging relationships…in this case in particular, among women.
Now you may be wondering what this has to do with today’s scripture passage…and I’m about to tell you. When I think of the “widow’s mite,” three women automatically come to mind for me…my Mam-ma Polly, Mrs. Peggy, and a dear lady named Cora Mae. My grandmother and Mrs. Peggy have left us for heaven, but at age 93, Cora Mae is still teaching me (and others) how to give your all.
None of these ladies was ever wealthy, by any monetary standard. All three worked hard and suffered many hardships in life. All three were like the “Energizer Bunny” when it came to serving others…and Cora Mae still puts many people half her age to shame. It’s not about money per se…what these women have given to countless people is priceless. They have visited, cooked meals, served in their churches in a zillion capacities, prayed, encouraged, shown up, and given all they could – whatever that might entail at the moment.
The message for us in the example of these three women – and in this scripture passage – is that we all have something to give. And there is a very good chance that it is more than we are currently offering. If for no other reason than to demonstrate our gratitude to God for HIS gift of Jesus, we should be digging deeply and giving our all. This is about more than writing a check to a charitable organization – or tithing to the church. You may need to write a note of encouragement – or pick up the phone and talk to someone. You may need to stop in the store and listen to someone who really needs your ear. Or you may need to sit quietly in a chair with your children and read them a story…or really stop and listen to your spouse or child when he/she is talking.
My point is that some of the biggest lessons – and greatest gifts – that I have received have not been tangible, hold-in-your-hand gifts…or money. They have been the selfless gestures and expenditures of time, attention, encouragement – and examples of how to serve others. Some of the greatest gifts I have received came from these three ladies who mentored me…and others who have demonstrated generosity of spirit. They have shown me how to give my all…and now the rest is up to me.
I pray that you have been blessed with examples of those who gave their all…and that it has resonated with you. Examine your life and see where you are holding out – and holding back. Learn from those who have mastered giving their all…and become one of them.
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Giddy Up, Eunice! ~ https://www.amazon.com/Giddy-Up-Eunice-Because-Women/dp/1433643111
Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am reading a book written by one of my favorite authors, Sophie Hudson. It’s called Giddy Up, Eunice!* – and it is basically about how women can support and encourage one another. “Eunice” is a biblical reference to the mother of Timothy (the one in the Bible…not my nephew!). Sophie Hudson has a knack for relating to me in a meaningful way. Perhaps it is the fact that we are both southern girls…or that we both have a deep affection for our mother-in-law. Regardless of the reason, she makes a lot of points about the importance of encouraging relationships…in this case in particular, among women.
Now you may be wondering what this has to do with today’s scripture passage…and I’m about to tell you. When I think of the “widow’s mite,” three women automatically come to mind for me…my Mam-ma Polly, Mrs. Peggy, and a dear lady named Cora Mae. My grandmother and Mrs. Peggy have left us for heaven, but at age 93, Cora Mae is still teaching me (and others) how to give your all.
None of these ladies was ever wealthy, by any monetary standard. All three worked hard and suffered many hardships in life. All three were like the “Energizer Bunny” when it came to serving others…and Cora Mae still puts many people half her age to shame. It’s not about money per se…what these women have given to countless people is priceless. They have visited, cooked meals, served in their churches in a zillion capacities, prayed, encouraged, shown up, and given all they could – whatever that might entail at the moment.
The message for us in the example of these three women – and in this scripture passage – is that we all have something to give. And there is a very good chance that it is more than we are currently offering. If for no other reason than to demonstrate our gratitude to God for HIS gift of Jesus, we should be digging deeply and giving our all. This is about more than writing a check to a charitable organization – or tithing to the church. You may need to write a note of encouragement – or pick up the phone and talk to someone. You may need to stop in the store and listen to someone who really needs your ear. Or you may need to sit quietly in a chair with your children and read them a story…or really stop and listen to your spouse or child when he/she is talking.
My point is that some of the biggest lessons – and greatest gifts – that I have received have not been tangible, hold-in-your-hand gifts…or money. They have been the selfless gestures and expenditures of time, attention, encouragement – and examples of how to serve others. Some of the greatest gifts I have received came from these three ladies who mentored me…and others who have demonstrated generosity of spirit. They have shown me how to give my all…and now the rest is up to me.
I pray that you have been blessed with examples of those who gave their all…and that it has resonated with you. Examine your life and see where you are holding out – and holding back. Learn from those who have mastered giving their all…and become one of them.
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Giddy Up, Eunice! ~ https://www.amazon.com/Giddy-Up-Eunice-Because-Women/dp/1433643111
No comments:
Post a Comment