...for God loves a cheerful giver

The school our boys attend participates in Pennies for Patients. Clay asked me several times over the last two weeks if he could go through our large water jug and sort out the pennies to give. I've said "yes, but not now," to him several times. Finally on the last morning to give he asked once again. He had time to go through and get most of the pennies. I told him I was sorry I didn't have time to help. He responded "It's okay mom! I've already given, but I want to do more." I knew he hadn't gone through the jug before now so I investigated a bit more with questioning. "What do you mean you've already given?" "You know the $10.00 I got for Valentine's day?" "Yes!" I said. "I gave that" he stated, not missing a beat as he continued to search out pennies. "What did your teachers say to you about putting in $10.00, Clay?" "They didn't see me put the money in."

There are times when I could pinch this child's neck off! He can be so stinky some days. Then there are the times he brings me to tears and all I want to do is nestle his neck and take in the sweetness he exudes. That $10.00 was all he had and he gave the entire amount and never expected any recognition. It is here that I'm reminded that "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40 also in Matthew 6:3-4 "But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing that your alms may be in secret..."

Again a learn-ed moment, by a humbled mother, from a giving non-boastful son. Is it okay if I boast?

"...for God loves a cheerful giver." II Cor. 9:7