The Widow's Offering

Being that it is *that* time of year and the holiday hustle and bustle has begun, I often find myself reminiscing on the memories and traditions of my childhood.  I was surprised by a story from my past that bubbled it's way to the surface recently, no thanks to those pesky bell-ringers hanging around outside all of my favorite shops. 

The year that I was 8 years old (Hello, 1995!), my parents gave me the opportunity to earn money for Christmas shopping by doing chores and tasks around the house.  I worked my 8-yr old fingers to the bone for what begs to be remembered as months, though I'm fairly certain it was only a matter of weeks. ;)  When all was said and done, I prepared to go shopping with my Mom, a whopping $25 and a detailed list in tow.  (Whether that list was mental or actual, I don't recall.)  I can still feel the excitement in my little girl-heart at the thought of using my very own money to buy special presents for those I loved.  The only gift I vividly recall wanting to purchase, as it was the 90's, was a Skip It for my best friend, Amanda!  I was CRAZY for my Skip It and desperately desired for her to have one so that we could "skip it" together. lol  (Love that picture -totally symbolic of my childhood; cracking up!)

I can still see it now.  We come to the first stop, and I eagerly hop out of the good ole' Chevy Silhouette aka "Ruby," all bundled up in my winter jacket.  Holding my Momma's hand, we are nearing the door to the store when I notice a familiar jingling of bells.  "Why are they ringing those bells, Momma?" She answers me by saying something like "They ring those bells so people will put money in those little buckets, and that money goes to help families who don't have things for Christmas."  I stopped and let that thought sink in a bit.  Then, with only brief hesitation, I walked  forward and put my $25 in that little red bucket.  

I think my Mom was slightly shocked, yet full of pride.  I'm sure she probably asked me if I was sure that's what I wanted to do with my money, and I'm sure I said yes, though this part of my memory is a little foggy.  However what I do remember is that we didn't make it two steps inside the door before I was crying my little eyes out. Lol.  My Mom asked me "What's wrong, sweetie?" and through my sobbing, I managed to utter "I can't buy Christmas presents now." In the end, of course, my Mom allowed me to do my shopping and said she would pay for it for me.  I was even able to get a Skip It for Amanda.  Best favor ever. lol

On the voyage home that day, my Mom shared a story with me that she said was from the Bible.  She told me about a group of people who were giving their offerings at church.  She said there were many rich people putting lots of money into the collection box.  And then there was a poor widow, whom I'm pretty sure she termed an "old lady," (lol) who gave her last two pennies.  And how that meant so much more to Jesus than all the money the rich were giving, because she had given everything she had.  I remember feeling a warmth in my heart and a peace that I had made Jesus happy.  An eagerness to give was planted in me that day, and her story stuck with me all these years.

About a month ago in my journey through the book of Mark, I ran across this story for the first time in my life. I'm not calling my mother a liar, but I'm not sure why I always secretly thought she made that story up to make me feel better that day.  hahaha!  Turns out, my Mom and her Bible knowledge are legit. (Sorry, Mommy!)  It can be found in Mark 12:41-44.  
"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.  But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.  Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (NIV)

That day I was gifted with a beautiful lesson that shaped a big part of who I am.  It was a defining moment that followed me into life with Jesus.  My identity in Christ and the fulfillment of my purpose are tied into that single moment where a seed and a story were planted.  It is so important to be giving with the gifts the Lord has blessed us with.  The widow may have only given two coins, but they were her last!  This was an act of great faith!  She gave all she had, fully trusting that the Lord knew her needs and would provide.  Our giving is an act of love and praise for God.  It is meant to be a sacrifice; it's about parting with what you'd prefer to keep in order to bless somebody else.  Giving to others is an opportunity to glorify God for his gift to us: the offer of unmerited salvation through His one and only Son. 

I think it is important to note that I'm not focused solely on money here.  We should also be generous with our time, love, forgiveness.  Giving ourselves over to God.  So, this holiday season, let us keep the important things in mind.  Let us not be distracted by the the hustle and bustle, the giving and receiving of costly gifts, the commercialism.  Those things are all good and fun, but be conscious of giving back to others from a place of love.  For, "God loves a cheerful giver." (2Corinthians 9:7)  When we give with a pure and willing heart, He takes notice!  I welcome you all to find at least one opportunity to step outside of yourself and give back in some way this holiday season; be it through your church, a community outreach, or a personal friend.  You find your way of blessing somebody to gLoRiFy your Father in Heaven.  Tis the reason for the season, yo!

 

Yes, to my surprise, I still remembered all the words to this commercial. :D