This goes out to a couple of friends who I believe wish to remain anonymous. Let me tell you their story.
For years they have been close friends to one another and several months ago they were engaged to be married. Unfortunately, a job loss and some other events caused the wedding to be postponed, twice. One of them just lost another job, and the other is able to work only part time and receives disability compensation. These are not wealthy people.
On a recent Sunday, we all gathered together for lunch after church as is our custom. Our friends had paid for our meal, and I gave them what cash Adam and I had. It was not enough to cover our portion of dinner, but it was all we had available. I wasn't told this, but I happened to see the total.
Later that evening, after we'd returned home, I was fishing something out of my purse and I discovered a $10 bill.
"What's this?" I asked myself. I pulled it out and saw another wad of cash beneath. I found all the money we'd given to our friends, plus some extra. One of them had tucked it into my purse when I wasn't looking.
I feel humbled and amazingy blessed. To think that we are in a position to receive charity from these friends, who are in no firm financial position themselves, is uncomfortable. Yet, to see quite clearly how much they care for us and want to offer the little they have when we are struggling...that is an incredible honor.
Thank you, my dear friends. You have shown me a true example of how to be more like Christ in this season of giving. I am loved and honored and blessed to know you.
"And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need." (Acts 2:44-45, NASB)
Merry Christmas.
What a beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Hey Amy....this Christmas 'we' have been in that same position many times. While at first I was so uncomfortable with it, God gently reminded me that allowing others to bless me, was a blessing in itself to them. I don't know if that sounds crazy to others, but it made sense to me. Nothing feels worse than the feeling that we can't 'give' anything to the ones we love and care for. BUT...being able to bless them and share something with them, always makes me feel like I am still able, even in my own 'broke-ness', to bless someone. Good for your friends - they are thinking like 'victors' . Good for you for recieving it - you are thinking 'blessing' ...not charity! ANd yes, recieving with humilty, enable 'us' to be better 'givers' ourselves! This Christmas I had so many people, who I knew were tight financially themselves, bless me in so many beautiful and truly humbling, ways!So....sorry for the novel. thought it was a good post! So many times we want to be on the giving end,but the 'recieving end' is pretty special too eh?? Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful story.
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