“What can I give” might be a difficult question, especially if we look inwardly and decide after assessing ourselves, we have nothing to offer. Perhaps money is the first thing that comes to mind, and since we lack sufficient finances to be generous, we determine we have nothing to give.
But giving does not have to cost. The best things we can give are often free. It might be a smile to someone who has lost all hope, a kind word to one who is unemployed, a silent hug to a mom or dad who is grieving, a pat on the back for a job well done, a prayer for someone facing health or personal problems, time for someone lonely, a touch on the arm as a reminder that you are available, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. All these things are expressions of love, which is inexhaustible—it costs nothing to give love, but the return can be amazing, better than anything money can ever buy.
Recently, I attended a luncheon. I walked into the room where the event was held and found that all the tables were full—of women laughing and talking. I look around and finally found a table where a solitary woman sat. She was gazing intently at her plate of food, not paying attention to the activity and din around her. I stopped and asked her if I could join her. She was hesitant but shook her head yes. I introduced myself and she smiled but did not introduce herself—she didn’t even speak a word of greeting. I sat down and asked her name. She again hesitated and then she slowly repeated her name. I quickly surmised that she must have a speech impediment and might be embarrassed to speak. After a few minutes of exchanging small talk, she told me that her husband died and shortly afterward, she had a stroke, leaving her with problems speaking and walking. She related that she lived alone and only attended church functions during the day because she was afraid of driving at night. Our time together was over quickly, and we went our separate ways, perhaps never to meet again.
As I left, I thought, I don’t know if what I gave her, as we ate together, was what she needed, a friend for the day. But I know that it impacted her enough to look me up on FACEBOOK a week later and become my Facebook friend.
How many times do we fail to make contact with another person because we feel we have nothing to offer? And, yet all they may be looking for is a kind word validating that they are not invisible and that they matter to God, and to us.
“Now eagerly desire the greater gifts, Love is indispensable And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)
Juanita Adamson February, 2023
