Giving All You Have

Calling his disciples to him, Jess said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on…Mark 12:43-44.

It’s been a year of transition for us!  We sold our home last June, and since that time, we have moved five times!

Since the new owners wanted to get into our home quickly, our first move was to a hotel!  We were there for about a week!

Our second move was to a one bedroom corporate apartment…thankfully; we were only there for a month!

Our next move was to a two bedroom corporate apartment.  We lived there for four months!

Lastly, I moved in with my mom and Denny for approximately two and half weeks!

Why all of the moves?

Don and I have been praying about downsizing for a few years!  We truly felt it was time to do just that, but we weren’t sure exactly what that meant?

Did it mean that we are merely to look for a smaller home?  If so, should we buy or build?

Did it mean that we should look at purchasing a condo, and if so…would we like that?

Our desire was not to rush into anything, but obviously, we needed a place to stay as we prayed and sought God’s will for our lives!

Just as our home sold, new, beautiful two-bedroom executive units were being built!  We felt this would be a perfect place to live for a year as we sought God’s perfect will for our lives!

However, that meant waiting!  So, the numerous moves took place as we sought temporary living arrangements until the new unit was built!

Each move found me in a different living arrangement!  And if I am completely honest, I was extremely nervous about my last move?  I was unsure about moving in with my mom and Denny…even if it was only for a few weeks!

Each of us had different schedules and routines.  My mom gets up at the crack of dawn (actually before then) to read her bible and pray, so they often go to bed early.

I head to work early…and like to come home and get a workout in each evening…sometimes staying up later, depending on what my schedule looks like that week.  However, I didn’t want to interrupt their plans during my stay!

However, I learned something while I was there!  What I learned during my short stay is how extremely generous and giving they are.  Not that I ever doubted it, but I saw them graciously volunteer and serve in numerous ways!

Their days are filled with serving at church, which includes helping in the kitchen, preparing meals for Good Samaritan, working with the children from Parson’s School a couple of evenings each week…and often just filling in where there is a need.

My mom also volunteers at New Life Pregnancy Center.  She is often caring for numerous babies and children when she is helping at NLPC.  Even when she isn’t scheduled to volunteer, when called and asked to help with additional needs, she gladly assists whenever she can.

My mom and Denny also visit numerous garage sales throughout the year…looking for baby/children’s items that can be donated to New Life Pregnancy Center. 

Denny drives a school bus before and after school, which is another opportunity to minister to the children that rides his bus.  My mom shared that he had a pizza party for the younger children…providing them an opportunity to become familiar with the bus before their first day of school. 

Though they are both retired…they are not taking it easy!  They are allowing God to use them in a mighty and powerful way during this season of their life!  They are truly giving all they have during this time in their life.

As I viewed them graciously giving in so many ways, I was reminded of the poor widow that Jesus described in the bible…“I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on…Mark 12:43-44.

This widow did not have much, but she gave all she had.  By giving all that she had, she truly was giving more than the wealthiest individuals.  She was an example to all of us.

My mom and Denny are far from living in poverty, but they are extremely giving of their time and resources.  They are making a difference in the lives of many!

I pray God continues to use them for such a time as this!  I was blessed to view their generous giving during my short stay with them, and more importantly, blessed to be a part of their family.

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you for family members who graciously serve you with humble and giving hearts.  Bless them as they continue to serve you in the days ahead, and help each of us to be a little more like the poor widow…giving all that we have!