Nana, Do You Want a Piece?

“Nana, you wanna piece?” is what my grandson actually said.

I eyed the piece of candy, shaken from a wrinkled and dubious wrapping.

Dare I celebrate his generosity and risk ingesting whatever lingered on his hands after hours of outdoor play?

Of course I did! I enjoyed his offering and comradery as I swallowed and prayed for good health.

I am blessed to have generous and loving grands. We are all of us filled with joy when they invite me to join their lives and share whatever they are holding or however they are spending their time.

Am I as generous as my grands when I have something special?

Say, that hidden dark chocolate bar I’ve been saving for a special occasion? Or maybe the beautiful craft supplies I’ve been hoarding for future projects?

The truth is, I sometimes have to remind myself to be generous.

But I have something far more precious than dark chocolate or pretty paper. I have Jesus. In my heart, soul, and mind, He is there. I’ve known Jesus since I was a child and I’ve been learning about Him all these long years.

I like to think that both sharing Jesus and sharing my personal resources go hand in hand with Hebrews 13:16. And joy, with such sacrificial giving and the doing of good, God is pleased!

The heart of missions — what we strive to teach our preschoolers each week — is found in that one verse. Doing good (teaching, loving, helping, leading, encouraging) and sharing (Jesus, our faith, resources, energy, the Bible) please God.

What a joy for us to generously share ourselves and our faith so that our preschoolers and their families can learn more about God and His love for us!

Let’s strive to open our hands and offer those we meet a “piece” of what we hold dear. Our Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Thank You for being generous with us, for giving Your life for our sins so that we might be with You forever. Remind us often to be generous in what You have provided. Help us to open our hands and share Your gifts. As we lead preschoolers and interact with their families, help them to accept the gift of You and learn more of Your plan for God’s people. All for You, amen.