Back in August 2009, I received an email from my now-husband saying, “Now…this is random, but just go with it and I’ll give you more details later.” He followed the sentence with an excerpt from the book of Mark in the Bible:

“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

After I read it, I went back and read it about fifteen more times. I was meeting him for lunch that day, and since he didn’t tell me why he’d sent the excerpt for me to read, I assumed it was something he wanted to discuss with me further. However, much to my surprise, as soon as I got to San Diego he handed me a pretty little purple box with the most beautiful necklace inside: a 2,000-year-old copper coin pendant, set in gold and hanging on a delicate gold chain–the very same kind of coin the widow would have had when she made her small offering.

I love this necklace because every time I put it on I am reminded to give all that I can, no matter how small.

Regardless of our financial status, we all have the opportunity live in a sacrificial way. Giving all we have to live on looks different for everyone. But I can’t help but ask myself, “When was the last time I gave in a way that truly stretched me?”

How we choose to be generous depends on what the circumstances are and what we have to offer. Whether it be money or time, we need to stretch ourselves in generosity toward those around us. It’s not a natural choice, and it’s not an easy choice, but it’s a daily choice we all have the opportunity to make as we pursue generous lives–outpouring all that we have to give for the benefit of those in need.

Read the rest of the articles in the 6 part series “The Character of Beauty” here.

Photo Credit: weheartit.com