This morning as I was paging through the family photo albums, preparing to tell some mission stories to children at church, I ran across a little snippet from a letter I sent home from school in Singapore when I was sixteen. You can click on the picture to see it large, but in essence, it's an airmail envelope flap with my handwriting:P.S. I'm out of money and I want to buy you a birthday present, Mama. What do I do? Any B'day wishes?
I cracked up, reading it all these years later. Did I really harbor delusions that I was being subtle way back then?
And then it dawned on me. Anything I try to give to God is really something that he gave me in the first place, too. My service, my time, my offerings, my tithes, my commitment, any kindnesses I might show to others on his behalf ... He has and will supply me with the resources for all of that. Even on the days when I'm as dry as a bone, I can send my wistful little P.S. his way:
P.S. I'm out of everything, Lord, but I'd like to have something to give to You. What do I do? Any wishes?
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
Great post! The honesty of youth. Your point about our gifts to God is well made.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture--it shows the person I remember with such fondness in an earlier life. It also shows a remarkable ability for "fund raising" that has proved useful in later life. :>)
ReplyDeleteThis cracked me up! but you make a valid point there.
ReplyDeleteCool thought! Why do we worry about ownership anyway?
ReplyDeleteOh how marvelous. I love the photo, love the PS, love this post.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right about what we give to God. Doesn't the Bible say, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's"? Yes indeed...whatever we give Him is already His...except for our hearts. He doesn't own those until we give them.
Hmmm...food for thought this lunch hour.