Learning to Give

Christmas Holidays are fun, but crazy for us!  We hung out with family, did craft projects, made cookies, and visited with friends.  What we didn't get done was the typical giving projects (cash is sort of tight in Dec).  We have several friends who celebrate "12 days of Giving", where they choose 12 days and 12 different projects during the holidays.  It is a great idea, but you have to be a prepared person in order to pull it off, I'm not! 

So, we decided that we are going to have 13 weeks of giving. Last week at the dinner table, we brainstormed about fairly inexpensive projects that all four of us could do on a Friday or Saturday afternoon to help others in the name of Jesus.  Then we all wrote down our ideas and I typed them up and cut them out in little strips.  These strips were put into our "Giving Bucket", where we choose one project a week until Easter. 

(Even Sarah wrote her ideas down, but I think that they were "socks" and "stripes", so they didn't make the project cut...don't tell her)

Project #1:"Gift for the Mailman"
We love getting mail around here. We have stood by the mailbox before and waited for the mailman to give us the mail. So, we kind of know him a little.  Last Thursday, we all trekked to Walmart after dinner, in the cold to gather up about $15 worth of snacks and treats for our friend, the mailman.  We also grabbed a $5 gift card from QuikTrip for a hot drink on a cold day.  

Then we made cards, fixed up a special bag, and placed it by the door to go out the next day. 

Since our mailman came early, Jeff was the one who gave him the bag and even learned his name.  The next day we received a thank you note signed "Mark the mailman".  It was a neat experience.

Project #2 (this week) is "Cleaning up Mulberry Park" We plan on picking up trash on the walking trail. It is supposed to be cold and rainy all weekend!  Oh well- we have hats and umbrellas.  I'll hopefully post an update next week and maybe a picture or two.  You can hold us accountable to make sure that we make all 13 weeks.


Before you begin to nominate me for Christian Mom of the year, I have to confess.  I am not a giver of money.  I love to help others, working with children, and serving others at my table anytime. I have no problem with people giving to me!  But, to actually give money to others is hard for me (although I don't mind when Jeff does it...go figure...I know...I'm weird).

Wednesday, I stopped by Publix in order to grab a few things that we needed for lunch.  It took me a while to get what I needed and I even had to return something.  I was hanging out at the customer service desk waiting my turn when I saw something that broke my heart, but not my wallet. 

There was an elderly lady who was trying to use her debit card.  Apparently, she thought that she had more money than she really did (or maybe a check hadn't cleared yet).  It just wasn't working.  The cashiers were younger and trying to be compassionate, but didn't really know what to do.  So they asked her what she would like to give back.  I assumed that she would hand back a carton of milk or some candy and it would ring back up fine. She didn't. 

She proceeded to hand the cashier some milk and oranges.  These were what she would keep.  The other things would go back onto the shelves.  It broke my heart.  I distinctly remember hearing a quickening in my heart that told me to "pay for her groceries". 

Now- you know that I am a coupon person.  I don't buy anything at the grocery store unless I have a coupon (or really need it).  I am also a person that takes at least an hour at the store when I go, b/c I have to make sure that I am getting the best bang for my buck, with my list.  I don't spend money if I don't have to.

So, I began to argue in my heart.
"Are you sure?"   "pay for the groceries"
"What if she has a really expensive item?"  "pay for the groceries"
"What if Jeff doesn't want me to spend this?"  "pay for the groceries"
"What if I can't pay for her without her being more embarrassed?" "pay for the groceries"

Anyway- I talked myself out of it.  Even when they began to dump her groceries out of the bags.  It was as if I was witnessing an eviction.  The groceries that she had purchased with care and had probably walked up and down every aisle looking for what she needed were being dumped into her basket while she paid her $7 and shuffled away.  It was all I could do not to yell out "Stop!  I'll take care of it!!!!"

And yet- I disobeyed again.  I did not pay for her groceries.  I did ask the cashier for the amount she owed.  I was really hoping he would say "$100".   He didn't, she owed $40!   Talk about the Lord teaching a lesson about blessing others!  I have been overwhelmingly blessed and I couldn't bless this elderly, embarrassed child of his?  

I did see her as I was walking out.  Her daughter was helping her into her car and was heading back in there to pay for her groceries.  So, the Lord was going to protect that woman whether I helped or not.

I missed a blessing.  I missed being a blessing. I missed an opportunity to "Be Jesus".   I missed doing the basics "providing for the widows and orphans".  I missed a lot!  I apologized all the way home. I confessed my sin of greed.  I even broke down when I confessed to my beloved husband.  In his loving way, he told me that I would do better next time.  I am scared that there won't be another chance. Or what if I miss it again?

Anyway-
I am hoping that by teaching my children to give over the next 12 weeks, I will help them to avoid making the same mistake.  The mistake of not listening to my heart when the Lord makes it very clear that He has a job for me to do.  Frankly, the mistake still haunts me several days later.  I am determined to be a better listener next time.  If He allows me to have a "next time". 

Lord, Teach me to give extravagantly and with a loving heart, like you do daily!