Cheerful Giving

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." (Mark 12:41-44)

I was reminded of this story in the Bible on my first day back in Haiti. It was Sunday so we headed across the border to Pastor Daniel's orphanage for church service. We sat down in the wooden pews towards the back. Church was very fun to be part of. They sang several times and we got to watch all the orphans sing songs of worship.

The time came for them to pass around the silver plate for tithes and offerings. I watched as the plate was passed around. I immediately noticed a small orphan girl who was anxiously awaiting the silver plate to come to her. She had a big smile on her face and was proudly holding a small coin in her hands. When the plate came to her, she dropped in the coin and smiled widely.

That story in Mark about the widow's offering instantly came to mind. That little girl was so excited to give. I don't know how much the coin was worth, but I can only imagine it was not worth very much in American standards. But that did not matter.... that little girl was so excited to give. I felt like I could learn so much from her. If only every time I gave, I had that type of enthusiasm and excitement. It was such a beautiful picture of someone with a pure heart and love for The Lord.

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2nd Corinthians 9:7

It was a perfect start to my first week in Haiti.