I’ve been meditating on generosity a lot lately. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul is using the churches from Macedonia as an example. He writes: “In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity… they gave according to their own means and beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints - and this was not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” That last part really stuck out to me this morning. They gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Here are these people experiencing severe hardship and they are overflowing with joy & generosity… begging for a chance to give all they have to Paul in order to help others. It’s surprising that in the middle of their severe affliction, they’re eager to help others. If I have even a bad headache, my gut instinct is to hole up, go inward, preserve my own capacity & just meet my own needs. But Paul explains the ‘secret’ behind their extreme generosity… they gave themselves first to the Lord. Of course. God is not lacking. He is able to do more than we could even imagine, and He can supernaturally fill us to overflowing… even in the midst of hardship. Even in the midst of our own depravity & not-enough-ness. Even in the midst of homeschooling in January. ;) Jesus is enough. Let’s choose each day to give ourselves first to the Lord & allow him to fill us to overflowing. Then, we can then overflow with generosity towards our children & families. This January/ February season of homeschooling can feel drab & uninspiring. Let Jesus fill you so you can extend grace upon grace, patience, and kindness during those lessons this week. Happy homeschooling, friends. Love, Renee P.s. If you’re looking for some practical help in receiving grace & experiencing God, or if life feels out-of-control-hectic, I’ve recently found the book Get Your Life Back (John Eldridge) really helpful. |
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