living loved

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive. ‘   – Acts 20: 35

The last two Christmas Eve Eve’s we spent time ringing the Salvation Army bells. We enjoyed it so much last year, we were excited to have the opportunity to do it again! It is exciting to watch everyone in the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve Eve scurrying along to get their last minute packages and food items. We played some Christmas music, sang, laughed, and wished even the most curmudgeony of the curmudgeon a Merry Christmas. It was fun. It was simple. It was a fun, simple hour of our time to raise money for a great organization who helps A LOT of people in our Johnstown community.

As we waltzed our way back to the car, something occurred to me in the quiet recesses of my heart. And I said aloud, “Oh, what the bells?”

We finished talking to a wonderful elderly couple full of Christmas joy and got in the car. Jer looked at me, asked, “What the bell?” And I shared with him and the kiddos my realization.

If it really is better to give than to receive, why did so many people (with their bags and packages and carts super full) walk past that Salvation Army bucket without a glance? Now before you come up with all kinds of reasons and excuses, I know, I know, I know and sometimes, I just don’t have any cash.

But stay with me here, there were many people who gave to that little red bucket while we were ringing those bells. Many. Many different ages and people. But as my “what the bells” moment happened, it was because of who gave to that little red bucket. Most of the money stuffed into that bucket was from a lower socioeconomic demographic. They gave A LOT. They smiled and gave. And as I walked back to the car, my heart was full in seeing the stories of the bible come to life from the woman of Zarephath to the Widows Mite. These women gave not from excess but from desire to help others.

And the bearded beauty pointed out that those who give most often give out of understanding because they understand what need is. They are grateful for the opportunity to give and help even if it means they go without.

There are so many verses and moments in scripture that I could use to encourage all of us to give, but ultimately, we should give because God so loved the world that HE gave His one and only son to save the world. He gave His son for us. He gave the ultimate gift and paid the ultimate price. He gave it all – without restraint.

And that is love. Love gives. Love gives even when it hurts the physical and proverbial pocket. Love gives. And if giving like that means sacrifice like that, oh, what the bells, let’s keep ringing and giving.

XOXO, Loni