I am currently in a season of decluttering my home and it feels great. I am embarrassed to say that on one recent occasion, I gave away the following:
17 pairs of shoes
32 balls
34 tops
Who has 34 extra tops? Me!
It feels good to simply, but it also feels convicting to have so much that I don't need. One of the things that I have learned while working at ACCESS Homeless Shelter is how little one needs. When a woman comes to the shelter she is only able to bring what she can fit in one large garbage bag. When I walk by the shelter intake area and see a garbage bag, I often ask myself "what would be in my bag." What would I consider a need and what would be a want?
If my downsizing continues, I will soon have nothing else to tangibly give away but the giving can continue. I will always have myself to giveaway. There will always be an opportunity to be kind, to be merciful, to be gracious. Opportunities will always exist to be a good listener, an available friend or a shoulder to lean on.
A few weeks ago, everyone in our congregation was given $5 with the purpose of paying it forward. I tucked my $5 under my car visor and prayerfully asked God to show me where to give. I began hearing stories of how other people in our church used the $5 and I felt left out that mine was still unused. I was on the verge of putting the $5 back into the offering plate if an opportunity did not present itself soon. One day, as I was driving to work, I was stopped in traffic when a man suddenly appeared by my window. I was startled at first and a little scared. I rolled down my window and he gently asked if I had anything to give. In my haste and fear I uttered the words "I have nothing to give you today." As I rolled up my window, God QUICKLY reminded me of the $5 under my visor. I did have something to give. I knew what I had to do even if it meant being late for work. I turned my car around and gave the gentleman the $5. He graciously thanked me profusely and asked if I would pray for him. He told me that his name is Charles and he is desperately wanting to get back on his feet. He was once a chef and was looking to get back into the food service industry. I told him that I would pray for him and drove away.
I am grateful that God prompted me to go back and give. I am thankful that God always provides a way for us to be his hands and feet and to give ourselves away!
Be blessed and be a giver!
Joy
1 comment :
I love this post! I get nothing less than pure joy when I am able to be a blessing! I ask God daily for opportunities to bless others and the means and strength to do so. God bless you Joy and continue to be the vessel that The Lord using to bring others joy! I'll be praying for Charles.
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