Giving:

     When I was little, we were quite poor. 

     My father was in seminary and my parents were preparing for the mission field.  I knew we did not have a car, but I thought only millionaires had cars.   My bed was first in a closet and then next to the table where we ate.  It didn’t seem to me to be a problem.

     When I was four, I remember being taught to give to the Lord first.  I had a big allowance - six cents.  I had a little globe bank and each week, one penny had to go into that globe bank.  My father taught me that I must give to our church first and then to missionaries.

     I thought I was giving a fortune when I put fist full of pennies in the offering plate.  It was expected and it was good training.

     Then, there came a time when we did not always have enough food for dinner.  During those weeks, my deep and creative father would take the little we did have, make it look fancy on a plate.  Then, he and I would go to the home of someone who was “poor”, set the plate down, ring the doorbell and scoot as fast as we could. I

     I thought we were rich.  After all, we still had something to give.  How grateful I am for my father’s example.

     Paul pointed out how rich the Macedonians were because they gave out of their lack.