I was listening to The Message version of the Bible this morning while I was running on the treadmill. Sometimes I do that if I’m having trouble putting aside time to read, anyhoo, I think I was half concentrating until I heard this one verse: “She gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford”(Luke 21:4)
This was the story of the Widows mite, you know how it goes, there were lots of rich people dropping money into a collection plate and then came the widow putting in two pennies…and Jesus said: “she gave extravagantly, what she couldn’t afford”.(The Message version)
This is fairly obvious in reference to money but I started thinking: What is it that I don’t have much of? What CAN’T I afford to give that God would have me to give…extravagantly?
Right there jogging on the treadmill a list started forming in my head. A list of things that I don’t have in great supply, things like…
Forgiveness… when someone wronged me what if I gave forgiveness instead of judgment?
A gentle response…when a sharp comeback is just about to spew out of my mouth, what if I stopped and chose a more gentle reply? Or even just kept my mouth shut?
Time…when someone asks me to do something during a particularly busy week, what if I said “yes”. Most of you have a hard time saying no and setting boundaries, not so for me…my issue is the opposite. I have such huge…I’m gonna call them “personal boundaries”, some people close to me have referred to them as “social issues”, whatever the “issue” for me, sometimes saying yes, even to “fun” things, is costly. Not only on my time but on my emotions.
Joy…I’ve such a mixed bag of feelings about joy, but I can tell you that there are many days I’m overwhelmed with emotions that are anything but joyful. On those days could I possibly give extravagantly by giving a smile, a laugh or an encouraging word…give what I don’t have much of…give a little joy.
My list went on and on. I bet your list won’t be so long.
But maybe there’s something you find you have in short supply. Something, that like the widow, you can give away extravagantly…something that you can’t afford.
I’d love to hear if your thoughts…
Ohhhh, how I love this post. “New Favorite Robin Post.” It’s pretty neat how your blog reaches something neatly tucked away inside me that I need to work on. Your picture says so much!!
Thank you.
Love this blog….I have found when I do give what I can’t afford that is when the true blessings come…It is when I step outside of myself and become more aware of the people around me that God shows me where He is working in people’s lives. That is when I get a ” nudge” from the Spirit inside to “do this” or “talk to them about what they just brought up in conversation” . But so many times, I fail miserably because I am only concerned about myself…
.-= Jennifer Clause´s last blog ..GETTING THROUGH ALL THE APPOINTMENTS…EXPERIENCING BLESSINGS ALONG THE WAY =-.
Wow, this is such a thought provoking post. Thanks. Hugs, Marty
.-= Marty´s last blog ..Metamorphosis Monday – Treasures =-.
I just had an opportunity this morning: my daughter is getting a new puppy. It is something I don’t think she needs right now: she works full time, she goes to school and she is planning her wedding. OY! Anyway, I told her I was very happy for her when really I am thnking, “are you crazy”?????
Also, I SHOULD be on the treadmill right now too, but here I sit on my ever expanding butt…..I will get back there, hopefully later today. BTW, it is SNOWING again here!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lordy! XO, Pinky
i am speechless robin… this is an incredibly moving post… you have touched me in a very deep and important way…. sometimes when i read your postings i feel as though you are me and i am you… honestly…
the part you mentioned about saying yes…. ummm, wow…. that is so me… in so many ways…
thank you for this!! xxo, kim
.-= Kim Klassen´s last blog ..weekly eDition round 2 =-.
That is so true for me! Often what I can’t afford is….well all those things. It IS quite easy to give those things when they are merited. I love giving out praise, and that is not quite as important as giving it when it is not merited or deserved….that’s a toughie! Thank you for your post….Surely, God led me here this morning 🙂 Hugs, Ingrid
.-= Ingrid´s last blog ..Happy Valentines Day =-.
Out of all the blogs I read (over a 100) your is by far one of my favourites. Whether it is in the interest of taking care of my home, my family, or my soul you inspire me on such a regular basis. Thanks so much for sharing of yourself in this way. I appreciate your honesty and authenticity.
I am a pastor of youth and children in Nova Scotia, Canada. Just last month our focus in the children’s Sunday am progran at my church was on the character trait “Discipline”. This account of the widow’s mite was the highlight lesson for our families. I am wondering if I could have your permission to publish this post as the devotional thought for our March parent newsletter. I think it would be of great benefit to our parents and families. Your permission would be greatly appreciate and all credit would be given to you and your blogsite. Let me know if this is possible. Thanks!
Robin, loved this post. I was thinking how much of it was exactly the way I feel. Then as a read others comments, I realize, once again, how we are all so related and share the same feelings. The problem is, we just don’t let it show and speak these words openly. You give us the “ONE” voice. Thank you. It’s such a blessing to know I am not alone in my thoughts and feelings. If we can all just make small efforts to forgive and give what we can’t afford on a daily basis, untold blessings are waiting for us I know. I feel renewed and excited to see what’s ahead.
I just came across your blog because I am looking for a good strawberry cake & icing recipe for my daughter’s 3rd Birthday, and your cake from April 2009 came up. It looks yummy! Your blog is so great! I love baking and making things, and reading, although I don’t have much time to craft these days, with two 3 yr old’s getting into everything! Anyway, good post, very insightful and thought provoking!
You always make me stop and think . . .
What a great post for the beginning of the lenten season.
Thank you, sweet Robin, for writing this post just for me. (Don’t deny it — it’s too obvious. You KNOW you wrote this just for me.)
Grins,
Pamm
.-= Pamm´s last blog ..A Nice Vice! =-.
This is so true….I deal with so many people every day in my work and some of them can be pretty mean…it is so hard to bite my tongue sometimes. Even just giving people your undivided time is the most precious gift…
.-= Raina´s last blog ..just in time for valentine’s day =-.
Great post! I think it is easy to just think of money when we read this but your examples were great. When you said, “Most of you have a hard time saying no and setting boundaries, not so for me…my issue is the opposite,” I thought, “that is me!” I don’t know anyone else like this. So glad to know at least I am not the only one! I definitely need to say yes more though. Nobody asks because they all know how I am. 😉 😛
Gina…that’s me exactly, everyone knows so they just let me be! 🙂
I think you and I have been on the same wavelength… that’s kind of the same thought process I had for my “hands and feet” decision for Lent.
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Hands and Feet =-.