Before I reconnected with Christ, He was working in me. That’s what’s awesome about Him. He’s always there for us, gently nudging at our consciences even when we’re walking without Him. After I reconnected with Him at Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Houston at the age of 30, I took a long and twisted path toward what I thought was God, but it wasn’t Christian based. It ended up leading me in several different directions, and confusion was the theme of those few years. I’m so thankful for the spiritual experiences, though, for without them I wouldn’t have the keen gift of discernment that He has given me.
When my husband and I reconnected, after dating ten years prior, I knew God reunited us for a reason. We ended up getting engaged, buying a home, getting married, the whole nine yards. During our courtship phase, we traveled and had fun. We were long distance at the time, so when he would come into town every month, I was full of butterflies and anticipation. One weekend close to Christmas, we were set to stroll through downtown Annapolis and admire holiday lights and décor, but we both came down with colds and assignments from God.
Earlier that week, I learned about a local elementary school with children from impoverished backgrounds who relied upon subsidized school lunch. Winter break was approaching, and I wondered how the kids’ nourishment needs would be met at home during the seven-day break. It was such a random concern, given that I was single, self-absorbed, and not kid-oriented, but looking back I realize that it was God who laid the concern on my heart. I felt moved to provide for those kids’ needs during holiday break, so I contacted the school principal for input and asked if I could help meet the need.
Brian and I weren’t feeling super energetic or creative, but God carried us through. We decided to shop at a warehouse for snacks and lunch items to throw in big holiday bags for each of the students at the elementary school, but we had to meet the needs of over five hundred students! After shopping, we sorted and stuffed. It was tough, even for the pseudoephedrine cough syrup highs that we were on. After spending all weekend working, all five hundred and some bags were ready. Only one issue remained. How we would transport them to the school since I drove a small sportscar.
The Lord provides. The hotel where my boyfriend stayed during business trips lent us their little shuttle and helped us load up every last bag, plus a couple of boxes of tissues. We delivered the bags the following day, right before school let out for holiday break. I’ve never seen so many faces light up with appreciation over goody bags filled with snacks. It was like we gave them the most expensive video game, pair of designer jeans, or popular baby doll on their wish list. That day put a lot of renewed perspective into my heart. The simplest things matter. We can touch the lives of others through good deeds. What we do counts. Full bellies mean full hearts.
I walked away that morning with a heart full of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity, for the means to provide, for the smiling faces, and for God’s provision. That big give opened up a new chapter in my spiritual journey and showed me that I had a heart for giving back. I began seeking out opportunities to help causes in my community and enjoyed volunteering my time.
The Bible says that God blesses each of us with spiritual gifts (Romans 12). There is the gift of giving. I have found different ways to use my gifting over the years, whether it’s with my time, money, things, encouragement, praise, guidance, and prayer. In giving there truly is receiving, and I love to lavish specially chosen gifts on others. Being raised by generous parents helped set the example, but it is the Holy Spirit who refines it, from glory to glory. He has blessed our household incredibly this year, and I can’t wait to give some of it back to the kids this holiday season.
