Sacrificial Giving

Many years ago now, my daughter Emily got into making small clay animals. They were really quite detailed, and she was able to sell them for a dollar a piece to friends, family, and neighbors. Over the course of about a year, she accumulated a hundred dollars – which of course is a lot of money for a nine-year-old! 

At that time my sister was working in a shelter for women and children escaping abusive relationships. Emily got to thinking about the kids in this shelter who might be missing their toys clothes and homes. So she decided that she wanted to give some of her money to help. I’d been talking to her about tithing, giving away 10 percent of her money. But she hadn’t quite bought into that. In fact, in her mind, that wasn’t going to be enough. So, when she finally reached the $100 mark, she gave me the whole waded-up ball of money, mostly crumpled one-dollar bills,- and she said, “Here, Daddy. I want to give all of this to the Oasis shelter.” 

It’s crazy. I actually tried to talk her into keeping some of it for herself. But she wasn’t having any of that. She said, “No Daddy. I want to give it all.”

It is a beautiful thing to be inspired by a child. Reflecting on her compassion makes me want to be more compassionate. Her generosity, makes me want to be more generous. Her willingness to sacrifice what she could have for the sake of others reminds me of how sacrificial giving toward a worthy cause touches something deep in the soul. 

Thank you, Emily, for inspiring your dad!

Let us pray: Gracious God, none of us have to look very far to see how richly we’ve been blessed. We especially thank you today, for your unconditional, sacrificial love for each of us. In response, grant us open hearts. Show us ways that we might be a blessing to you and to others. others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.