We all know the saying, “Good things come in small packages.” Things like engagement rings or tickets to go on a cruise. One year for Christmas, my Dad put a message in a tiny box under the tree for my Mom instead of wrapping the full-length mirror he bought that she was hoping for. That would have been too obvious. The message said, “The rest is in the old Ford ha-ha!” I still remember all of us going out in the snow to open the trunk and there it was!
There are other kinds of “small packages” that may have little monetary value, but are priceless.
I know a lady from my church named Diana who used to work on skid row in Los Angeles. For decades there have been a large number of homeless people in that area needing food and shelter. She doesn’t live near there anymore, but still says,”I love these people!” Her address may have changed, but her heart for helping the homeless didn’t. Now she’s helping them in this community, where she lives now.
When a friend and I learned she was going out on her own almost every Sunday after church with food and water, hugs and prayers, we wanted to help! We asked how many lunches she could give out and she said, “18.” So now, every Saturday, my friend makes 18 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and I’m in charge of bananas and filling the lunch bags, with things like crackers, applesauce or a fruit cup, and cookies. Other people heard about what we were doing and started giving $20 or a box of 18 things to go in the bags. I also wrote a letter of hope and resources to add. Diana writes each person’s name on them and signs them.
So, on Sunday after church, she comes by and picks everything up and the three of us pray together for each person that will receive these small gifts. Then she drives off, still praying that God will guide her to find those who are in need – of food, water, a hug, and a prayer. Her love, dedication, and unselfish giving is an inspiration to ALL of us. By the way, she also gets up at 4:30 each day, works full time, and helps care for her Mother.
I also know others, like Judy. She’s someone who may have the least to give, yet is continually giving generously to many in need. As a single Mom who struggled to provide for her kids, she knows what real need is. She never forgot and gives what she can with all her heart.
I’m writing this in November, the week before Thanksgiving. From now until Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa there will be crazy sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and businesses offering deal after deal to get you to spend more and more money. Let’s think before we spend this year. I have a shirt that says “The best things are not things” and I believe that!
Here’s what the Apostle Paul said to the believers in 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 (NLT):
“Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever*.’”
*Psalm 112:9
RESET HIGHER: What priceless small gifts can you give this year?
- How about giving your time or your help to someone who needs what you can do for them?
- Can you get out of your comfort zone and volunteer?
- How about cooking a meal for an elderly person or a family in need?
- Why not go through your closet and other things you have and donate generously to those who truly need what you can give?
- You can also give money to someone for medicine or to pay an urgent bill.
Open your heart and look around you. “Small gifts” like these can be the biggest of all when they come from your heart, delivered in love.
© 2024 Linda Carlberg
Photo Credits: Linda Carlberg
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I love this. The little things are sometimes the best things.
I’ve been taking small care packages to the nurses that are caring for my mom in the rehab facility as a small token of my deep appreciation and gratitude for all that they are doing for my mom.
They always tell me I don’t have to do it but I tell them I don’t do it because I have to, I do it because it’s a blessing both ways.
That’s wonderful Michele! Sharing blessings is such a kind and loving thing to do. The world needs more of this – and by giving “small gifts,” they grow into more