Today’s scripture: Luke 21:1-4 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Angie Eden):
In Shel Silverstein’s poem Smart, a son boasts of how proud his dad is of him for being clever. He starts the poem with one dollar bill and then begins a series of trades, each time believing he is being “smart.” He trades the dollar for two quarters, and then trades two quarters for three dimes, then three dimes for four nickels and finally four nickels for five pennies. With each trade, the boy observes, “Two is more than one, three is more than two, four is more than three” and so on.
In our super-sized, hungry-eyed culture, we are flooded with messages of “More, more, more!” Perhaps the notion of “more” is actually hard-wired in us just like the little kid in the poem who simply believes “more” must mean better. It’s an honest mistake.
The story of the widow’s mite illustrates that, in some instances, a little of something can actually be more valuable than a lot. Using few words, Jesus provides a touching, beautiful image of this principle in action.
Do you see her? Standing in line with others holding far “more” money in their hands than she. Do you feel her shame? Dropping far “less” than others into the collection plate. But listen, really listen, to Christ’s observation. When the widow’s offering is put into perspective, the two coins figure to be exponentially “more” valuable than wads of paper money. And the true worth of her gift and the spirit behind such a gift is acknowledged and held as an example to us.
Thought for the day: For today, give God thanks for lessons about “less” and “more.” Keep this perspective in mind. Ask to make your heart like the widow’s heart. Let it guide all your offerings.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.