And What Are You Going to Give Me?

“This one’s for Colin.” My daughter mumbled through the candy in her mouth and thrust a tightly gripped root beer lollipop my way. “That’s nice of you,” I bragged and pulled her free hand through the crowded halls at church to make our way towards her brother’s classroom.

I stuck my head in the door of room E-103 and motioned for my son to come. He appeared with his own small candy bag and held out one yellow, sour Skittle for his sister. I smiled at his generosity and applauded myself for teaching my children to share with each other. No one was forced to save candy for the other.

If all children were like mine, the world would be a better place. Just as I was warming up to sing a few verses of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and skip out of the church into the sunset, I heard, “But this is tiny, and what I gave you was big.”

I came to a screeching halt in both mind and body. “What?” I questioned my once generous daughter. “You were happy to give him that lollipop a minute ago. You had no idea he would give you something in return. We don’t give gifts to get something in return. You give from your heart because you choose to bless someone.”

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 NIV

I could almost feel God tapping on my shoulder, clearing his throat. Okay, Lord. Guilty as charged.

So often, I perform a great act of service for the Lord, and at first, I am pleased. I’m blessed to be the giver. But it usually doesn’t take long before I wonder, “Now, what are you going to give me, God?” I didn’t start out thinking about getting something in return, but the more I focus on it, the more I fool myself into believing I deserve a return gift.

Let’s face it, I deserve nothing. Nada. Zilch.

And if I take an honest look, God already blesses me with so much more than I could ever repay.

I sigh and take another look at the sour face on my daughter. “Yeah, I know,” I tell her, “It’s a hard lesson to learn.”

God, forgive my selfish nature. Help me to focus on giving to others out of obedience to You. Empty me of myself, and fill me with You, Lord. Amen.

2 Responses to And What Are You Going to Give Me?
  1. Kendra
    March 5, 2011 | 9:31 am

    Carol,

    Your writing is so vivid. I could see the scene playing out in my head as I was reading. I have promised God I will be more intentional about giving-giving to just give-because He commands me to. It feels good to help others and meet their needs.

    Thank you for reinforcing what God is teaching me. His children should give our of love because they love others not because they love others to give things back.

    Blessings,
    Kendra
    http://www.abusywomanslife.com

  2. Desiree Rutter
    March 5, 2011 | 9:46 am

    Ridiculously applicable to my heart today!!!! Thank you!