What We Give (09/19/2025)

She reminds me of my grandmother. She isn’t old enough to be my grandmother, but she does so many things that remind me of her. For one thing, she always bring something with her to give to another, to share. These aren’t grand gifts, just simple things, useful things, tasty things, something that says she was thinking of another: a flower, some of her tomatoes, cucumbers from her garden, cookies.

She and my grandmother understand. As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” She is making quite a life. Whenever I see her, she is content. She is a good listener. She gives others a sense of mattering as she listens intently. She responds to the needs of others as she encounters them.

I wonder if she knows what her gifts mean. I wonder if she realizes the difference she makes in the lives of others. I wonder if she does this because she ought or because she can or is it a little bit of both.

As she brought me a single flower recently, I wished that I could be more like her. And I found myself praying to the LORD that not only I but others could follow her quiet but meaningful example.

I have been blessed to know many throughout my life who remind me of the call to give, to serve, to love through our actions and presence. They inspire me. They make me want to do better myself. God knows we need examples along the way. I am grateful for the many He has sent my way.

As we go about our journeys of faith, kept afloat by our hope in the LORD, let us consider bringing with us simple tokens of love to share with another. Let us consider what we may give that will brighten another’s day or even world. Let us remember that it isn’t what we get from this world that will determine our lasting future but rather what we give to others with love.  Surely, we all have something to share.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.