A Million Dollar Gift

Have you ever thought those thoughts or played that game? When we were in Cabo, Ryan always came up with a subject for us to discuss around the dinner table. One of those times, he asked the question: “If you were given a million dollars, would you give it away or keep it for your family? You must choose one or the other!” When it circled to me, I said, “I would keep it and then give away as much as possible!”

The truth is, I already feel like I have a million dollars in blessings. And, I’m so practical and thrifty with the money I do have, the only thing I would want is to give away more.

I have been serving (volunteering) at the Vincentian Food Pantry and Thrift Store here in Austin. Since I enjoy estate sales and thrift stores and was an owner of an estate sale business, it’s right up my alley! Guess what area they chose for me! Jewelry! LOL! A Nordstrom’s store was going out of business and donated many of their jewelry department’s lighted cases to this ministry. There is a lot of costume jewelry, but there are also many sterling silver and gold pieces.

I was delighted that on the first day I worked there, we brought in over $600 in jewelry sales. I am a penny-pincher from being raised by parents of the “Great Depression”. I enjoy finding bargains. $60 of that $600 was from me for some of that jewelry. That night my son was taking me to see the Andrea Bocelli Concert, and the copper cuff bracelet I purchased was exactly the color of my top! Penny pinching has its benefits!

But, aside from my own delight to serve there, I thoroughly enjoy seeing people buy really nice things at greatly discounted prices that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to purchase. We had two families come in on Thursday who lost their possessions in recent fires. They received substantial vouchers and were able to obtain clothes, furniture, and other household needs.

Then, yesterday (Saturday), I was blown away when I saw a line of people receiving big boxes of food. No questions asked. Over 400 people/families received those boxes. And, the thrift store was open to the public for purchasing some great treasures. And, saying “God bless you” and “God loves you” and offering prayer is wholeheartedly welcomed there. Before the store was opened, the store manager gathered all of us for a short morning devotional and prayer. What a way to start the day!

When I am there amongst those in need and those willing to volunteer and even those of means who know a bargain, I realize the Master’s touch on my life and express to Him my gratitude for the ability to serve. I don’t need to play a game of “If I were rich,” because I am rich. I don’t need someone to nurture me because I am nurtured and loved by God.

I am the recipient of the “incomparable riches of His grace” that the Apostle Paul talked about in Ephesians 2:6-7. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

I am ever thankful that God placed a deep love within me that cares about others. I know that care because God made me whole, both spiritually and emotionally. His healing touch led me to show compassion for others who are hurting. I knew hurt – and how blessed I am to be set free to help the hurting.

When we are WHOLE – soul, spirit, and body – we don’t ever have to play the “If I were rich” game ever again, because we are rich beyond measure.

1 John 3:1 “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”