One Generous Heart.

Thanks a million! I heard my father say that maybe....a million times. Dad never had a million dollars to offer, but he was grateful enough to wish he could. Sometimes it is the smallest gift given for the right reason that means more than a million dollars. Take for instance the Valentine card I received yesterday. A woman who attends our monthly "Come to the Banquet" luncheons wanted to express her deep thanks for the hospitality offered by our church. She sent this....

This lady doesn't appear to be wealthy by the world's standards, but she has other riches. I never walk by Jill that she doesn't ask if I want a bag of cashews, peanuts, or some hard candy. She is always giving, giving, and giving some more. We have some deep theological discussions and it is fun to share a meal together.

In comparison to millionaires and billionaires, I would choose Jill every time. Her genuineness and grace speak louder than a dumptruck load of 100 dollar bills. Though she has little, she gives more than she can afford. Jesus notices people like Jill more quickly than say a person like John Rockefeller or the late Steve Jobs.

"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 fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, 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.” (Mark 12:41-44, NIV)

How is our heart today? Is it dark with fear, gross pride, anger, bitterness, and greed? Do we silo our resources and share little of our wealth with others? Perhaps it's time for some heart surgery that only Jesus Christ can perform. Allow Christ to excise the selfish natures. Let Him add some drain valves

into our heart to allow grace and generosity flow out. Let's experience new vitality and gratefulness. Inspect our silos and decide today about how we offer kindness and good gifts with others. That we could all give without limits like my friend Jill.