Little is Much, When God is in It
By: Bethany Plett
She might have wondered if it would be worth going to the Temple that morning. She had so little to give and so many cares of this life to worry about. There would be many who would toss their coins into the basket and still have some left over. Would her few pence even make a difference to the Master? Such a small gift, it would hardly be noticeable.
But she went. And she gave. Not just half of what she could afford, but everything.
And the best part of the story… The Master noticed! He sat across from where the people tossed the coins into the basket and watched them as they came by. She dropped in her humble offering. And He noticed what she gave. When she felt like she hardly had anything, the Master told her that what she sacrificed was worth more to him than what the rich men brought. (Mark 12:41-44)
No one told her she had to go. But she went in faith, knowing that though her contribution was small, the Master could use it.
It’s so easy to make myself a list of expectations to live up to. I tell myself that my efforts are worth more if my house is always clean, healthy meals always made on time, and children are always cheerful and helpful. But reality sets in, and we label ourselves as failures when, really, we were doing our best. We give all we have, but still can’t live up to our expectations. We wonder if it’s worth all the stress and running.
But God notices. He sees when you gently put a band-aid on a scraped knee. He notices the cup of water you place into uplifted, pudgy little hands. He recognizes the effort you make to clean up the puddle of spilled milk from the floor. He notices when you give your time to help out a busy mother, or teach and train a classroom of energetic students. He notices the thoughtful card you make for a lonely grandma, or the encouraging phone call you make to your neighbour lady. He notices if your heart aches for the child you lost, or the children you dream of and long for. He notices the silent prayers we offer up for a suffering friend. He sees, and He blesses.
The size of your audience doesn’t matter. The Master notices every good deed done when it is done in love. So today, whether you’re a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, nurse or friend… Keep it up! The world is a better place because of you!