She Gave So Much

Some day we will be telling our grandchildren how we can remember when Wal-Mart had a greeter at every entrance. Those days are past, but I reflected on a story today about a lady who was a greeter. She would show up for work daily, bringing smiles and greetings from her fellow employees. Then, stationed at her post at one of the front doors, she would happily greet every visitor to the store, and offer them a shopping cart. Other store workers were amazed at how often they heard compliments on the happiness and joy spread by this little lady. Most did not know the lady had lived as a widow for a lot of years. Her meager income barely supported her through the later years of her life.

Another compliment to her life was the numerous people who recognized her faithfulness to God, her family, and her church.  She also seemed to have a couple of cookies for the kids which routinely showed up at her door.  She helped as much as possible with people who were sick.  She spent off-time making doilies to give as gifts. 

As I read her story, I began to think of the story of the widow in Luke 21.

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. ² He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ³ “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴ All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Isn't it amazing how God can take so little and turn it into so much?  The scripture is filled with the stories of the unpopular, the lonely, and those who seem insignificant,  being used by God to accomplish great tasks.  We may find it strange that two copper coins in a collection plate could ever be significant.  But the real answer to the significance of our story is found in that last verse above"

"All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

When we are faithful in our dedication to loving God and loving others, it's amazing what he accomplishes with even the smallest of gifts. He still blesses the life that smiles, expresses joy, and becomes the hands and feet of our Lord.

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