Last Sunday after church, there was a celebration for a family very close to us. This family has been a very integrated part of our lives these past four and a half years. The cake and refreshments seemed bittersweet as the church shared emotions of sadness because of the move, but our joy as this family embarks onto a new and beautiful season.
In this family of seven, there are five children. They have been consistent examples of the love of Christ to us on a daily basis. Their generosity, kindness, creativity, and laughter inspire all who interact with them. The fourth child, Lydiah, captured my heart again last Sunday.
“Lyd Lyd” is four years old. She is full of personality. She loves to color, draw with sidewalk chalk, put on shows, sit on your lap, and to talk your ear off.
Last Sunday, she received a going away present from someone in the church. In her bag, one item were these really fun 3D fairy stickers. Lyd Lyd’s immediate response was to share her stickers with anyone around her. She would walk up to people, handing them a sticker, and say, “Here, this is for you!”
I was so touched by her response. Looking back to my own childhood, I recall also loving stickers. However, my first response was not to immediately share them with others. More likely, I would keep them for myself or “save” (hoard) them for the future.
I love that Lyd’s first response was to share with others around her. It was an immediate response. I want God to do a work so radical in my heart, that I too respond in such a way. When I receive, may I be eager to give. And since I have already received so much, may I also desire to give so freely as Lyd Lyd.
“It is more blessed to give than it is to receive.”
Quote from the mouth of Jesus. Found in Acts 20:35.
