Several weeks ago I stood outside Wal-Mart with fellow Phi Theta Kappa folks for a toy drive. We were to pass out flyers, mind the buggies with their donated toys and guard the vase with donated moneys. Most often people would graciously accept the flyers that listed the various options for the toy drive. I was gladly surprised by how many actually donated toys. What really caught my eye was the number of money donations. People would give one of us the money or place it in the vase themselves. The times they gave me the money, it was a $20 bill but often one or several dollar bills. Whether that put a dent in their wallet or not, they gave. They gave. I could not but help to remember the following passage:
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and 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
So as we go about this holiday season, remember to give. We shouldn't do this only during the holidays but daily. Daily may we be open to opportunities to give back. That can come in various forms for each of us but give sacrifically, give out of your poverty...not wanting any fame, recognition, or glory in return. But give knowing that the Lamb was given in your place, in my place, and that it is only by His mercies that we are able to be thankful.
