Devotion: A Widow’s Mite

One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important? Jesus replied,  “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the  others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” 
Mark 12:28-31, 41-44 NLT

I have volunteered with the local Red Cross chapter for many years and my first role was to do follow-up casework with those in the community who were displaced due to fires or other disasters. The people most hard-hit by the loss of homes and possessions are the poor, so I routinely worked with those who, by most standards had very few possessions before the loss. The actual dollar loss related to these fires was low, yet, when resources are scarce replacing even very few possessions is a struggle.

What I was able to offer individuals was only the very basic necessities. A mattress with bed frame, sheets and towels, cheap kitchen table and chairs, socks, underwear and basic hygiene supplies usually maxed out the amount that could be provided when someone had just lost all their earthly possessions. Occasionally I was able to source donated kitchen appliances that were barely functional.

Providing these few basic items was usually very emotional for the recipient who often wanted to give back to the Red Cross. The situation was normally emotional for me as I understood that what I had to offer to these people was so very, very little and yet it was received with disproportionate gratitude. It was a very humbling experience as it made me realize how very much we have, expect and receive and how little gratitude we usually express.

Dear Lord, help me to love others as much as I love my family and friends. Help me to give of my time, love and resources in disproportionately large measure compared to all the blessings and bounty I receive. Help me to remember that what seems so small and insignificant to me may be everything to someone else. Amen

This devotion is written by Denise Mainquist.

If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Patty Forsberg.

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