Treasuring sharing

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

Some years ago, there was a commercial that opened with a grandfather enjoying a box of popcorn. He heard his grandson enter the house, hurriedly hid the box, and asked, “What did you learn in school today?” “Sharing” came the response. Grandpa was not quite ready to share. He asks, “Did you play any games at school today?” His grandson repeats “Sharing.” Reluctantly, Grandpa shares the box with his grandson, who then pours some into his own hand and turns to leave, whereupon Grandpa asks “Sharing?” and extends his hand. Grandson happily shares.

Working with children and teens, I have been moved by the lengths they will often go to share. Certainly, there is the ever present “Mine!” in two-year-olds, but by three most figure out that it’s a lot more fun to play with others. I have written in other places about how teens will change the rules of a game that is too hard for one person or another simply to keep them in the game and share the fun. 

The love of God is a treasure that comes to us in various and sundry ways. But Jesus is clear, we experience God’s love most fully when we are able to share of ourselves for the good of others. When we acknowledge the personhood of the another, particularly someone society would deem “least or the last,” then that person becomes the first to receive an invitation. When we look at our neighbors, family, and friends through eyes of compassion and love and act with a spirit of gratitude and generosity, we recognize with God all things are possible. 

The treasure of children is found in their attentiveness and caring. All Saints’ couples this same compassionate treasure with financial treasure to make a difference in this world. Truly, our hearts have followed our treasure. For more than a half a century, All Saints’ has been concerned with the needs of others and our response to them. We seek to put the exhortations of scripture into action: collecting and transporting food, supporting the dignity of low-income elderly, and providing educational support for children in poverty. These are just a few of the ways we have shared the treasure we have received from God. 

Blessings,
Nancy+

If you were asked, “What did you learn in Christ today?” would your answer be “Sharing?”