Today, I passed up a Salvation Army bucket without so much as a nickel or dime in my purse to share. My heart still feels a twinge. I was however, on a mission today involving several “giving” opportunities.

It really all got started when our now twenty-four year old daughter was two. As I carried her into a store, she reached her chubby hand out making a “give-me” motion with her fingers as we drew closer to the bell ringer. I realized quickly and dug for some change and let her drop it into the red bucket, as the bell ringer said “God bless you”. As we entered the store, the shock hit me …she’s so little …”how did she know to put change in that bucket”? I then shifted my attention to the grocery list in my hand but believed that this giving attitude was born in our girl’s heart. She soon required bills, not change for the red buckets. It wasn’t long she would use her own allowance or her shopping money. As a young teen she got to serve and ring the bell, which was a huge highlight for her.

While it’s nice to be proud of your children, and I surely am but, I’m not bragging. I am grateful and humbled by her giving heart. She shows this generosity all year long, not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
We never really know the true motives of others who give…but we don’t have to, it’s not our place. The Lord knows our hearts, and he loves a cheerful giver and he said “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. We just need to concentrate on if we are listening and doing what God wants in regards to giving or helping those in need. And if we end up helping someone who is not in need but posing as a needy person, then it’s not our place to judge or worry about that…God is in charge, and he is fair and just.

I hope you’ll join me…..not just at the Holiday season but year round. Let’s continually pray for the weak, the oppressed, the downhearted and the sick and if we have the opportunity to share our wealth, our home, or our food then let us cheerfully do so.

“Father, we come to you asking for opportunities to give. May we have your wisdom when knowing who to help, and the heart like a child as we give. We thank you for all that you have provided for us. In Jesus name Amen.”