Giving Generously
Merna Short of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” -Matthew 25:40
Giving generously encompasses many areas. I heard a story recently that caused me to think of various acts of generosity. Some of these include our finances and how we use them.
The church and its mission need our support. Welfare organizations need money and volunteers. Opportunity shops recycle second-hand goods with the profits going to those in need. People share time uplifting a friend or neighbor, supplying a meal for someone who is sick or housebound. Others donate time and goods for food pantries. There are many areas of giving in hospitals, care centers, and the community-manning the shops, chaplaincy, music ministry, reading, and visiting the sick or lonely.
But where do all those wigs for cancer patients come from?
Victoria liked her long hair. It was brown and straight. Her grandmother told me, “I would watch her brushing her hair until it gleamed.” I wondered why Victoria didn’t cut it, as short hair would have suited her. One day when I was visiting, I noticed her hair had been cut short. She looked lovely. Her sister was holding a parcel. In it was a plait (Victoria’s hair) ready to be sent to make a wig for a child with cancer.
Two or three years later, I noticed her hair growing longer again. When I asked her about it, Victoria said, “I think it’s about time I did something for someone else, so I’m growing my hair for another wig to donate.”
Open my eyes. Open my heart. Here am I, Lord. Use me.
Prayer Phrase
In God we all belong.
Spiritual Practice
Sustaining Our Connections
Many find themselves isolated around the world to protect each other and the most vulnerable during this global pandemic. Spend time prayerfully imagining those people that you might normally come into contact with on a regular basis, known and unknown. Remember all the connections that sustain our lives each day. Even in this time of intentional separation, how are you experiencing deep, intrinsic belonging in God?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
