September 27, 2021
WIDOW'S GIFT
Jan VanHeiningen
Volunteer, Tennessee
I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. Luke 21:3-4
When we are leaving the village after installing and dedicating the well, we are often escorted back to our truck with exuberant villagers bearing gifts. Especially in Africa, gratitude comes in many forms. Along with additional hugs, handshakes, songs and dances, these gifts might include an offering of maize, ground nuts, dried beans, sweet potatoes, therere (dried okra leaves) or even a chicken. Considering the poverty and limited resources in most villages, these gifts are humbling. They are definitely not given out of their wealth.
To avoid inadvertently insulting a gift bearer, learning to be a “gracious receiver” has been a difficult task for me among such poverty. However, one such gift, still brings tears to my eyes as I recall a wise, petite, unassuming GoGo (grandmother). As I visualize her, she reminds me of the woman in the crowd who simply wanted to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. She moved silently through the crowd of villagers and approached where I was standing beside the truck and offered me 2 small chicken eggs. Apologetically she placed them into my hands saying – “this is all I have.” Out of her poverty – she put in all she had. I snuggled these precious eggs within the glove box of the truck inside my work gloves for safekeeping for the remainder of the day’s driving challenges.
I will always remember her sacrifice for me. My prayer is that I too can follow her example of Jesus’s words in Luke to give “more than the others” often reminding myself that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Application Question: Will we recognize today’s opportunities to give with a gracious and a generous heart?
Prayer: Gracious Father, thank you for the ultimate gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who you sacrificed for us. Open our eyes, Lord, to opportunities that will bring honor and glory to you as we who have so much seek to help those who have so little. Amen
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