“Better is a dinner of vegetables and herbs where love is present Than a fattened ox served with hatred.” Proverbs 15:17 (Amp)
January 16, 1963, as I recall was a cold, wintry day. Snow covered the ground and the old country roads were not plowed. It was Tereasa’s fifth birthday, and there were no candles to use on her birthday cake. Going to the store was not an option. That didn’t stop us from celebrating with matches and a song. As a three-and-a-half-year-old, my eyes lit up when Mom placed five large stick matches in the middle of the birthday cake and lit them for us to sing “Happy Birthday to You.” We sang and Tereasa blew out her candles. The smoke was a little more than usual, but it sure brought some smiles to our little faces.
That fond memory came to my mind as I sat quietly and reflected this Christmas eve. I had been thinking about how short I have come in giving materialistically to my husband and kids over the years. The Lord brought this precious memory of my mom’s love to remind me that the simple things done or given in love are the most important in life. I was reminded that it is my love, commitment, and considerate actions that help make others feel special, and that is what matters more than things.
As I considered my life for Christ, I had to confess that just like for Matt and the kids, I have fallen way short. I committed my life afresh to give my Savior all that I have, even if it is so little. I pray that my miniscule funds, efforts, and my life lived for Him will count for much in Christ’s eyes just like the widow’s two mites that were offered. (Mark 12:41-43) It wasn’t the amount that was offered, but the heart of the widow. Christ was satisfied with what appeared to be little to others because it was of great sacrifice to her. She gave her all!
True love is expressed by giving your all. It can be expressed in many ways. We mustn’t compare our gifts to that of others, but we must reflect on our heart condition when giving. Just as Christ gave love sacrificially, we must give our all to Him and others. We may feel that we come short, however, I am quite certain that the love expressed with five stick matches was just as potent to my sister as receiving a special watch many years later. Both were given with love!
“Let all your things be done with charity.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving me and providing examples here on earth to remind me of genuine love. Forgive me for falling short. I surrender my life to You and choose to love like You do. Help me not to hold back anything but to give my all to You and to them. I love you wholeheartedly and ask that my family and friends would experience Your love in and through me. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.
Opmerkingen