Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12: 41-44 (NLT)
I wish I had been there. I wish I had been with Jesus when He watched the people making their gifts in the Temple. I am certain I would have missed the importance of the gift made by the poor widow. I nearly missed it this morning when I read about her gift again. After reading those few words I closed my eyes to spend time in prayer. The past two mornings have been so busy that I haven’t had time to pray in a quiet place. Everything has happened on the go. A bit like grabbing a coffee from a drive through restaurant and trying to drink it while driving along. Strangely, this is illegal in the UK although I understand it is not in the USA.
This morning I realised that the time I give to God is like precious treasure. A gift that is not really mine to give because it already belongs to Him. Yet instead of giving everything I find myself giving just a fraction of my riches of time. Excuses are easy to come by, but the reality is that I have no excuse for not honouring God with my time early every morning, and then throughout the day. God knows all about the demands that life places on my time. But He also knows how much time I squander and waste. Time perhaps that could be given to Him.
Julie (aka Cookie) said:
I’ve often pondered that if I gave to God the same attention, preparation, research and joy I give the blog—then I would be more on the right track in my life—might be time for a bit of change with my time—thank you for this timely matter–and yes—driving and drinking with food, cokes, coffee, etc is “legal” but not wise–nor is putting on makeup which irks the heck out of me—but despite the law against texting and driving—none seem to be deterred—until they wind up dead….
David said:
I would consider the time you give to your blog time given to God Julie. I think that God uses our writing in different ways – to encourage and build other followers, to encourage us, and to reach out to those who do not know Him yet.
Julie (aka Cookie) said:
Thanks David—that’s what I need to hear. . .
Jessie Clemence said:
Once again, I appreciate the deeper thoughts you share, but I’m caught up on one little thing– it’s illegal to drink regular beverages and drive in the UK? How is this possible? Can someone hold up a cup while you sip through a straw and drive?
Madness, I say!
David said:
The police will book you for not being in proper control of the vehicle if they catch you eating or drinking at the wheel Jessie. Several incidents have made the news including ones where tickets have been issued while the drivers took a drink or ate something while stopped at traffic lights! But these days there are so few police around most people wouldn’t expect to get caught. Recently a cyclist published footage from his helmet camera of a lady eating a bowl of breakfast cereal while in traffic.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/11680712/Cyclist-confronts-woman-eating-bowl-of-cereal-while-driving.html
snowgood said:
It was illegal to listen to music whilst doing Double Metalwork at our school, but the teacher was quite happy to let “Pearson” bring in his mono cassette player….you guessed it. We listened Dark Side of the Moon.
David said:
I carried a mono cassette player with me at sea. I finally managed to buy a stereo one in Rotterdam in 1977. It lasted me years. I still have my old Pink Floyd tapes somewhere, but have several on CD now.