One day a dear older man and his wife (I’ll refer to them as Mr. and Mrs. C) from our church stopped in for a short visit.  I loved it when they would stop by.  They didn’t call.  They didn’t announce ahead of time, they just took the risk and drove out to the country, stopped in and rang the bell to see if we were home.

On their stop that day, Mr. C. was seated only momentarily before a twinkle came to his eye and he proceeded to attempt to get up off the sofa.

“I’ll be right back” he said, with his finger extended to make his point.

“I have to go get something.”

He slowly made his way back out to his car, assisted by his cane.  Returning minutes later, he walked towards where I was seated and presented me with a little box of chocolates.  “Here’s you some chocolate!” he said with a chuckle. I was blown away. This man who had difficulty just making it into the living room in the first place due to the effects of his age, made a special trip back out to his vehicle to retrieve this treasure box for me? I was so touched!

I was not surprised at his kindness; he was known for that – not just by me, but by many others as well.  Many times I’ve seen him reach his hand into his suit coat at church, like a magician reaching in to retrieve a rabbit out  of a hat,  and coming out with a sweet treat to share.  This is a special kind of “magic.”  It’s the magic of a giving heart.

Who doesn’t love to get a little gift?  Proverbs 3:27 is a reminder to me to give.  It says,

 “Withhold not good to them to whom it is due

when it is in the power thy hand to do it.”

Proverbs 3:27

That verse is a little push to be like Mr. C, who was always looking for ways to share the things he has the power to give.  We can all do something for someone else.  It’s just about asking the Lord to make us aware of what we could give.  I’ve noticed by watching giving people that being a generous person makes your heart large. Mr. C. was just a loving man; so was his wife.  I know others who are always on the lookout to do thoughtful gestures, and they, too, have that spirit that just makes you enjoy their company – not because of what they give, but because of their large heart!

If we’re going to be like Mr. C, We need to:

1. Ask God for wisdom and the heart to be a giver.
2. Think about who we’re going to be with today.
3. Prayerfully think about what their needs might be – or just a grace gift you could share.
4. Obey whatever the Lord brings to your heart!

Need a few suggestions to get you thinking?

• You might be the lady who always has a peppermint or chewing gum in your purse to share.
• Did you get special Buy one Get One Free offers at the grocery?  Share the extra one!
• Hand over the magazines or books you’ve read to someone you think would enjoy them.
• Keep wrapped candies –  Kisses, Werther’s /caramels, Smarties, miniature candy bars, etc. at your front door to give your guests.

May people remember us as folks who have large, giving hearts!    A little gift says big things!

What special gift has someone given you that touched your heart?

Refresh your heart and the hearts of others by giving!