Monday, November 24, 2008

Today, I am thankful for...



...27 cents!


Okay, it's not so much the 27 cents itself that I am thankful for, but for what it represents. Yesterday, my church family surprised me with a birthday celebration. Since my birthday was last Tuesday, this really caught me off guard. I received some very lovely gifts from my dear friends. The children in the nursery (toddler age) each came out and gave me a balloon. The Sunday School children brought me notes and flowers...it was overwhelming really.
It wasn't until everyone was gone and we were packing up to go home that I decided to sit down and look at my cards and read the notes the children gave me. Well, one of the notes kind of jingled when I picked it up. Hmmm... I wondered what it could be. It was a business size envelope and inside there was a note that was folded in every which way and then I saw what made the noise. A quarter and two pennies.
I was immediately moved to tears. This young man is about 6 or maybe 7 years old. He is one of the sweetest young men you will ever meet. In his note he had drawn a picture of my family and he wrote all kinds of sweet things on it. I knew that this boy had given me his all with all of his heart. As I thought about it some more today, I was immediately humbled to know this kind of love. He really had a look of joy on his face when he gave me this gift. My thoughts flew to the gifts that I've given in the past. Was I giving out of pure love or was I hoping for something in return? Did I give my all when I was able to, or did I selfishly hold back? I need to realize that I am truly blessed in many ways. I don't have to be afraid to give. God always takes care of me and my family.
With the holidays just around the corner - what will your attitude be? Will you give it all? Will you trust and not be afraid to let go? This is not just about money and material things. Will you trust yourself to open your heart to your friends and loved ones? Will you give them another chance that maybe, they don't deserve? Will you step out of your comfort zone and witness to someone if the opportunity arises? Give freely. Material things, time, your friendship... don't hold back. You won't regret it.
Philippians 4: 19 ~ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have brought out tears and memories with your post. Thanks you for always shareing and your right about everything you say it's very true I have found myself thinking that way and I don't want to anymore please pray for me. Thanks I really needed these words.

Menjiness said...

Awwww, that one moved me to tears! How sweet! Those are the things that make it all worth it. :)

SavedbyGrace said...

What an awesome little boy! Last Christmas one of our bus kids were handing out christmas cards. He gave one to Miguel and he went to his office and opened it. Jacob (the bus kid) put a dollar in there. miguel got all teary eyed and bragged on jacob from the pulpit. he still has that dollar in his office.

TrulyBlessed said...

i love it sherry... that is so sweet. it reminds me of the story with the little girl who didn't have any offering so she sat on the offering plate instead, saying I give myself to you... i love the sweet and innocent things children do... great post!
p.s. dad's candy corn was so good that PJ now will eat corn. he hated corn before until last thanksgiving... i was thankful for that since i LOVE corn of all kinds!!!

missyg said...

Wow! What a very powerful post. Thanks for sharing.