We’re prepping for a yard sale.
It’s time to redistribute the junk. Sell some; buy some; give some away. Shift its home. Round and round it goes.
A few years ago I was given a gift in a ziplock bag: the starter for Amish Friendship Bread. I accepted with enthusiasm because it was from a friend.
But I had serious doubts. I’m not a bread baker. I’m a bread eater.
Ten days of instructions were included. On the tenth10th day, I reluctantly began baking, mentally preparing for a disaster. But to my surprise, an hour later, I pulled out two beautiful loaves of bread.
One loaf to eat; one to give away. The neighbor next door had just been released from the hospital, and with four young kids at home, a loaf of freshly-baked bread would be welcomed.
I wonder how often I internally moan at a gift. When someone gives us something, we have to find a place for it, a use for it.
But sometimes those very gifts are ones we use to bless others.
I ended up making the bread several times. Each time I ate some. But I also had plenty to give away to someone different.
It’s the cycle of sharing. God starts it; we keep it going.
In times when we feel stressed, worn down, with nothing to give, the Lord sends a giver our way. Perhaps we can use their gift right away. Or perhaps it’s something we put in our closet and pull out later to bless others.
Either way, keep the cycle going.
- When we’re the needy ones, receive.
- When we see others in need, give.
Learn to do both. With grace and thanksgiving. Not reluctantly. Not with shame nor pride.
My yard sale items this weekend may go quickly or not at all. Either way, I won’t keep them myself. They’ve served me well.
Now they need to bless someone else.
Father, help us receive with grace the gifts you give us through others. Help us return gifts with equal grace to others in need. You provide both ways, and we thank you for your provision.
* * *
What have you been given that you can share with others? Please share in the comments.
