Luke 3:11
John told them, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It was so cold today that the children had to have “indoor recess” at school. Two classes combined in Timothy’s classroom, and his teacher turned on some classic Christmas cartoons from the 1940s. The children also had the option to do art projects. Some colored, others drew…and a couple of little girls attempted to make paper snowflakes. I showed them how to fold the paper so that they would get a complete circle or square design. They were enthralled.
Timothy and his friend Cage wanted to make snowflakes. I told them to get some paper. Timothy said, “I don’t have any.” Cage pulled out a notebook filled with lined paper, and he said, “It’s no problem. I have plenty. Timmy, you don’t have to worry about it…I’ve got enough for both of us.” He tore out some paper, and I showed the boys how to cut the snowflakes, which we then taped to their desks.
Almost every Friday, I am moved by the kindness or generosity of a student I encounter…their unselfish spirit and willingness to look out for their fellow students. Yes, there are those who are selfish and never think of anyone but themselves. But there are also plenty of kids who would gladly share an extra coat. And while it is forbidden for health reasons, lots of kids are eager to share food in the cafeteria. No child goes hungry, but they are not to eat food offered by another child. However, that doesn’t stop some sneaky sharing from going on! I guess where there is a will, there’s a way!
The point is that I believe God made us for giving. He created us with an inherent spirit to share with our neighbor. And somewhere along the line, some of us have lost that “heart.” We’ve grown hard around the edges, selfish and self-centered. And our closets and drawers bulge with more than we can ever use or enjoy. Our cupboards and pantries are laden with food, and we think nothing of eating half a can of something and tossing the rest. Meanwhile, there are countless people right in our own back yards who are “cold” and hungry…who have huge needs that we could fill. And it’s time we started doing so!
The challenge for all of us is to get out of our comfort zone…to open our eyes and ears…and our hearts…and to figure out who needs a little of our abundance – and get it to them! “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.” A spirit of generosity and giving is really pretty simple…so why don’t we see evidence of these more often? As I’ve said many times, if little kids can implement these concepts, why can’t we? Isn’t it time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
John told them, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It was so cold today that the children had to have “indoor recess” at school. Two classes combined in Timothy’s classroom, and his teacher turned on some classic Christmas cartoons from the 1940s. The children also had the option to do art projects. Some colored, others drew…and a couple of little girls attempted to make paper snowflakes. I showed them how to fold the paper so that they would get a complete circle or square design. They were enthralled.
Timothy and his friend Cage wanted to make snowflakes. I told them to get some paper. Timothy said, “I don’t have any.” Cage pulled out a notebook filled with lined paper, and he said, “It’s no problem. I have plenty. Timmy, you don’t have to worry about it…I’ve got enough for both of us.” He tore out some paper, and I showed the boys how to cut the snowflakes, which we then taped to their desks.
Almost every Friday, I am moved by the kindness or generosity of a student I encounter…their unselfish spirit and willingness to look out for their fellow students. Yes, there are those who are selfish and never think of anyone but themselves. But there are also plenty of kids who would gladly share an extra coat. And while it is forbidden for health reasons, lots of kids are eager to share food in the cafeteria. No child goes hungry, but they are not to eat food offered by another child. However, that doesn’t stop some sneaky sharing from going on! I guess where there is a will, there’s a way!
The point is that I believe God made us for giving. He created us with an inherent spirit to share with our neighbor. And somewhere along the line, some of us have lost that “heart.” We’ve grown hard around the edges, selfish and self-centered. And our closets and drawers bulge with more than we can ever use or enjoy. Our cupboards and pantries are laden with food, and we think nothing of eating half a can of something and tossing the rest. Meanwhile, there are countless people right in our own back yards who are “cold” and hungry…who have huge needs that we could fill. And it’s time we started doing so!
The challenge for all of us is to get out of our comfort zone…to open our eyes and ears…and our hearts…and to figure out who needs a little of our abundance – and get it to them! “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.” A spirit of generosity and giving is really pretty simple…so why don’t we see evidence of these more often? As I’ve said many times, if little kids can implement these concepts, why can’t we? Isn’t it time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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