A Lesson In Giving

My mother was a simple woman, practical, frugal, but generous.
My aunt, her youngest sister, was a career woman.
Dressed impeccably, shopped at expensive stores, yet generous with what she had.
Both women, along with another sister, were children during the Depression.

Frugality was necessary.
Hand me down clothes were the norm.
I often wondered if that was why my aunt loved to shop.
As the youngest of three girls, clothes were extremely used by the time they reached her.

My mother could choose clothes from a sale rack, or a “bargain basement” and look lovely.
My aunt would spend her clothing budget on a few pricey things from high-end stores.
It was hard to tell the difference.

I am glad that I had that practicality modeled to me when I was young.
The things I learned by her example.
My mother taught me about giving.
Even though I was an only child, she refused to spoil me.
When new clothes were bought, old clothes were given away.
Very rarely things were thrown out.

Someone told my mother about a family in need.
They had many children and it was difficult to make ends meet.
My mother helped in tangible ways; some I knew about, some I can only guess.

I remember the day; my entire outgrown wardrobe was neatly packaged and ready to go.
My mother did not deliver the clothes herself, but rather through her contact person.
Some clothes were ones my mother had bought for me; and some my aunt had bought.
Everything was practically brand new.

Weeks later, we happened to pass the house of that particular family.
I noticed my clothes on many of the girls.
Whether the clothes fit or not, they were wearing them.
The girls were outside, getting dirty, climbing trees, and climbing on porch railings.

I looked over at my mother, as she was driving and wanted to point out what I saw.
She beat me to it.
Isn’t it wonderful that your clothes are getting such good use?
The discussion was over; it didn’t matter.

I learned so much from her statement and her demeanor.
You give from your heart.
End of story.

We do so many things and often go through the motions as we do them.
It is almost like we are on autopilot.
That is not the way Jesus wants us to act.
Jesus wants our actions to be from the heart.

Then Jesus said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith. And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:22-34)

My mother’s treasure was not in things, it was in people.
My mother freely gave from her heart.
She taught me to do the same; she expected me to do the same.
What a priceless gift she gave me.

I never knew that she would die when I was fifteen years old.
Even having her for that short a time, her lessons remain with me to this day.
They have been passed on to my children as well.

Give from the heart.
Love from the heart.
Forgive from the heart.

Do not simply go through the motions.
People can tell the difference.
God knows the difference.

When you seek first His Kingdom, you can’t help but act from your heart.
From the heart can only happen if your heart belongs to Him.
From the heart can only happen if the Holy Spirit dwells there.

Are your actions done in your own strength, or are they done in His strength?
Are you simply going through the motions?
I ask myself…

 

 

2 responses to “A Lesson In Giving”

1. Gina,

   This was heartwarming – I too, grew up as you did, with my mom a fantastic role model for giving. Even though she was divorced and financially strapped, she taught me and my sister the value in giving back when we could. I have tried to teach my 4 kids the same. When she was dying I finally took the time to thank her for this and other great lessons in living the way we were meant to. My current favorite is practicing kindness. I am recently unemployed and in spite of the fear of the unknown right now, I am overwhelmed by the kindness of others. Now that I have unexpected free time on my hands, it has become even more of a priority to spread that kindess around.

   Thanks for a wonderful message.

   Karen

   Reply

   • Karen,
     It seems that we were both blessed with wonderful mothers.
     I pray that the fruit of their labor is evidenced in our lives.
     I miss seeing you.
     What’s unknown to you is known to God!
     Gina

     Reply