In the mail this week!

               I opened a card from an address I did not recognize. No, I was not worried about a virus because it came in the snail mail. Yes, a real card with real ink and a real stamp affixed to the corner. Yes, people do still use this archaic form of communication. I pulled the card from the envelope and the cover is a Christmas greetings scene. As I began to read, it was a thank you card from a family we had helped with food and a meal before Thanksgiving. Others collected the goods for the box and I delivered it to a common contact who then took it on to the intended recipient. So, I had not direct contact although I do know who they are. It began as most thank you notes do with gratitude for the gift and genuine appreciation. That’s where we took a turn.

The second paragraph started with, “We were able to feed twelve people on Thanksgiving Day and ten more on Saturday and we still have some left.” Those words shocked me. One because I did not think there was that much food in the box. What more profoundly struck me was they shared their gift with 22 people. My understanding is life is difficult right now for them and they can use all that comes their way yet they chose to share their blessing with others. In my almost 30 years of vocational ministry I have never had a Thank You card like this. Why would they do this? The key was in the third paragraph.

“My husband and I have been in the ministry for over thirty-five years and have given many baskets of food away, so it was nice to be on the receiving end for a change.” They were on the receiving end this time but they were giving as always. They have been faithful for all of those years and so they continued to be faithful. What a blessing. People who are thankful then giving what they have. God will respond to their generosity and faithfulness.

Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:38 MSG

Recently a friend wished me a blessed day. I replied I am blessed I just need to live like it. Today I am having a difficult time with that. All I can focus on is some pain in one of my knees. Maybe you are focused on one or two issues in your life. That is all you can see. To your sight there is yet to be a blessing there. Let me ask, what about other areas of your life? Are you blessed there? I you will look I think you can answer yes.

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matthew 6:33 MSG        

                

In HIS Service and Yours.

BroG