i too must give

She came in late. She chose our row and scooted uncomfortably close to my husband as she made room for two, three, four little boys. We kept moving over until I was sitting quite close to dear Sister Rust on my left. She made no apology, no excuses, no thank yous as she obliviously made room on the end of the row for her brood.

The boys were shaggy haired and sloppily dressed. They were in sore need of baths. They were squabbling and restless.

I was annoyed. I was judgmental. I was bothered that this woman didn't at least acknowledge our presence as she practically sat in my husband's lap and disrupted the meeting with her clamoring boys. Charity was not on my mind.

But my husband saw an opportunity to help. He carefully ripped the back of the program into small squares and had each of those boys sit by him as he drew them pictures. Jared has a talent for drawing fun little animal cartoons that kids just love. These boys were no exception. He was kind and attentive, and they responded to that. So did their grandmother. She thanked Jared over and over.

I was humbled by my husband's good example.

And then we sang the closing song: Because I Have Been Given Much. It is one of my all-time favorite hymns. Many times I have been touched by the simple text of this song, but it had new meaning after watching my sweet husband share his gifts and love to these little boys.

Because I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live;
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
My roof’s safe shelter overhead,
That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord,
I’ll share thy love again, according to thy word.
I shall give love to those in need;
I’ll show that love by word and deed:
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

-- Grace Nowell Crowell

It was such a simple thing Jared did; he drew a few pictures. But it was so much more than I was willing to give. While I was content to be put out and annoyed, he saw someone in need and shared. I hope I can remember the lesson he taught me, and that the next time I see someone in need, I too will give.