Sometimes I am surprised at the things that come to mind and the lessons the Lord teaches me from those memories.
Years ago when Dave and I were farming alfalfa in central Arizona we had a man who worked for us. His name was Maxamino. He was such a great help. He was responsible for doing all the irrigating of the 900+ acres we farmed. He was a happy man, always a smile on his face, always willing to do what he was asked.
It was Thanksgiving and we were cutting hay. When alfalfa needs to be cut it doesn’t matter what day the calendar says it is. I had made the traditional Thanksgiving dinner and we ate after we swathed hay in the morning. I fixed a big platter of food for Max and Dave took it down to his house. He was overwhelmed by the amount of food that we took to him. He told us that this plate would have been enough for his whole family.
I realized how blessed we were and was grateful for how the Lord had provided for us. Since that Thanksgiving I have been reminded again and again how important it is that we share what the Lord gives us.
There will always be someone who has more than we do but there will also be those who have less. We have been commissioned to be a light in the world. The Lord wants to shine through us and one way He does that is through our giving.
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 The Message
As I was reading this morning I came across these words:
“He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly. 14 May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. 15 May you be blessed by the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:13-15 NLT
Part of the blessing we receive from the Lord comes through giving. Look for someone to bless and let God’s light shine through you.