generosity lesson

Tonight the Willis family arrived in Maggie Valley N.C. It's a quaint little town in the far western mountains. When you bypass Asheville and keep driving you know that North Carolina doesn't have a lot of miles left before you run into Tennessee. After finding our "home away from home" and getting our things into our rental we headed out to find some dinner. We found a nice little mom and pop restaurant just a few miles away and we sat down and enjoyed a wonderful meal. As the meal concluded the waiter came over and said, "Sir there is a couple in our restaurant who was admiring how well your kids behaved during dinner. They have already picked up your bill." I couldn't believe what I heard. I inquired of the waiter to point out the generous couple. He pointed to a couple who was heading to the door. I quickly ran over and with astonishment thanked them for their unbelievable generosity. I introduced my family to them yet they never told me their names. Despite there warm smiles it was obvious that they would have rather gone unnoticed for this act of kindness. I returned to the table and gave my waiter a more generous tip than normal. However, Lisa gently challenged my own generosity. She stated, "Let's pass on the blessing to the degree that it was given to us (paraphrased)." I agreed and doubled the amount that was initially left for our waiter. I walked out of the restaurant with mixed emotions tonight. First, I was grateful for the kindness that was offered to my family. Second, I was a little disappointed in myself that it was Lisa's idea to give with extravagance. As we got in the car to head to the grocery store I quietly did three things. First, I thanked God for his tremendous provision for me and my family. Second, I asked him to forgive me for not initially being extravagent in my generosity. Thirdly, I determined in my heart that I would look with "eyes wide open" for the next opportunity to "pass on a blessing" to whoever crosses my path. No doubt God has been so good to us and he has called us to be generous in a way that reflects Him.



"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8



Gratefully Abiding!



Stephen