I Too Must Give

 

A while ago there was a news article picture showing a mother struggling to carry a baby, a toddler, and a bag through bombed out streets trying to get to safety from war. When I think of that picture it helps me realign my priorities and focus on what really matters. The big things in my life feel smaller.

Another image I saw was of families who live mere feet from train tracks in pieced together huts, and they live there their whole lives. Their kids pick through trash piles to try to find something to sell to the recycling center so they'll have money to buy food that day. 

I don't think 'I'm so blessed' because I don't think I've done anything more than them to be born where I was- I think 'I am grateful' to live where I do, and that I need to do something to help them.

Grace Noll Crowell wrote the words my heart feels:

Because I have been given much,
I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty Lord,
Each day I live;
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered,
Fed by thy good care;
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share;
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
my roof's safe shelter overhead
That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed
By thy great love dear Lord;
I’ll share thy love again
According to thy word;
I shall give love to those in need,
I’ll show that love by word and deed;
Thus shall my thanks be thanks in deed.