Giving something that's a sacrifice

Yesterday I read Emma the "finished product" of "The King's Christmas List". What really surprised me was how when we got to the point where she feels like she should give her precious "Cherry Bear", she gave out a painful sigh. "Oh Cherry Bear" she said with pained voice that reminded me just how much that old stuffed animal meant to her.

Even thought she still has Cherry, she was feeling the loss, the sacrifice represented in the story. Now I think it is very important that we do not pass on to our kids a "martyr syndrome", but at the same time, there are times when we are called to true sacrifice. I thought about it myself and wondered when the last time was that I gave something that made me feel I was giving a part of myself. I was also reminded of when Yeshua's disciples were impressed with how much the rich were giving to the temple, but Yeshua was impressed with the widow who gave just 2 pennies to God. His words show again just how deeply and lovingly God knows us--"She has given more than all the rest COMBINED, for she has given all that she has to live on."

Emma's deep sigh helped me understand the struggle this woman must have gone through--"I have two pennies that might buy me a couple loafs of bread, maybe some seeds for my garden, or I could just go give all that I have to God." I've heard this story so many times but never really connected with the sacrifice, the immense trust in God that was at work in this widow's heart as she made her decision. I think that is what I take away today, giving yourself and your time and your treasure SACRIFICIALLY is all about trust. Trust that God is a better keeper of "all that you have to live upon" than you are. Responding to that nudge in your spirit to give something precious, something that hurts, NOT for the sake of giving, but out of response to the Spirit's leading, puts you in deeper connection and dependence upon the Creator...and that's a very good place to be. It's the place you, and I, belong.