Lenten Discussion

Luke 21:1-8 Wild Generosity


Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. Theodore Roosevelt

This week sermon focuses on the widow who placed two coins in the temple treasury. According to Jesus, her small gift was better than the larger gifts offered by the wealthy.

Sometimes we diminish the power of our gifts because we don't think we have enough to make a difference in the world. "I don't have enough time. I don't have enough money. I don't have enough energy." We lament. We whine. We bemoan our inability to be effective disciples. But when we simply do what we can, where we are, with what we have, God's transforming power is unleashed in our world. God knows our limits better than we do. God will not ask more of us than we can do. We simply need to trust in his power to work through us. Even on those days when we wake up tired and grumpy, God can still use us. Regardless of how we feel, we can act in faith instead of wallowing in self-pity.

Henry Nouwen wrote, A grateful life is one in which we receive our gifts, lift them up to God trusting they will multiply.

Just for today, let us convey our gratitude by sharing the joy of life with others--- where we are with what we have.

Challenge: Name at least one thing you can do to share the joy of life today.