More Than I Thought

As he stood in the Temple, he was watching the rich tossing their gifts into the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small copper coins.

"Really," he remarked, "this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them combined. For they have given a little of what they didn't need, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has." Luke 21:1-4

Monica A. Andermann, from New York, had been out of work for months, and expenses were mounting. When another phone call came from someone requesting a donation to his cause, Monica told him she was not in a financial position to donate the amount he suggested. He asked, "Couldn't you give anything?" Monica replied that as soon as she had available funds, she would be sure to remember his charity.

However, their exchange started Monica thinking, Didn't she have anything to give? In the story of the widow's mite, the widow gave her last two coins to charity. Monica didn't even have two coins to share, but she did have other ways to give. She had time, an open heart, and a desire to help others when she could. So during that period, Monica gave more of what she did have by helping out at the community food pantry, assisting an elderly relative, and comforting a grieving friend in whatever ways she could.

In today's scripture, Peter illustrates so beautifully that blessings shared can be worth more than all the money in the world. We always have something to give.

Prayer: God our provider, thank you for the gifts of time and talents. Guide us to share these blessings when and where they can do the most good, in Jesus' name. Amen.