It could be a word of praise, an encouraging comment, a smile. It could also be a material gift, a monetary gift, or something else. Mostly every one you meet could use a dose of God’s blessing which comes from various forms of our expression. “Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over.”Some of the most successful people I have met are also some of the most generous. These are they who live out the reality of understanding God’s law of reciprocity. “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”[i] Jesus said, “Give to him who asks you,…”[ii]John C. Maxwell, in his book, Winning With People tells what author and speaker Dan Clark recalls when he was a teen. He and his father stood in line to buy tickets for the circus. While they waited, they noticed the family in front of them. The parents were holding hands, with eight children in tow. The kids, all under the age of twelve, were well behaved. They were clean, but, all simply clothed which may have been an indication that they didn’t have a lot of money. Excited for what they were about to see, the kids were thrilled and his dad could tell the circus would be a new adventure for them.As the couple approached the counter, the attendant asked how many tickets they wanted. The man proudly responded, “Please let me buy eight children’s tickets and two adult tickets so I can take my family to the circus.”When the attendant quoted the price, the man’s wife let go of his hand, and her head dropped. The man leaned in closer and asked, “How much did you say?” The attendant quoted the price again. The man looked crushed as he obviously didn’t have enough money.Clark says that his father watched all this, put his hand in his pocket, pulled out a twenty-dollar bill, and dropped it on the ground. His father then reached down, picked up the bill, tapped the man on the shoulder, and said, “Excuse me, sir, this fell out of your pocket.”The man new exactly what was going on. He looked straight into Clark’s father’s eyes, took his hand, shook it, and with a tear streaming down his cheek, replied, “Thank you, thank you, sir. This really means a lot to me and my family.”Clark and his father went back to their car and drove home. They didn’t have enough money to go to the circus that night, but it didn’t matter. Because they had given of themselves, they had done something more important.[iii]It would be safe to say that Dan Clark and his father received something of value far greater than the twenty dollars they gave away. Be ready for opportunities that God brings your way today, to give. Give and you will be blessed.Memorable Quote: “Freedom of speech does not include freedom of responsibility.” Margaret ThatcherRelated Scripture: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38Suggestion for Prayer: Dear God, thank you for reminding me that I have something to give and that it is in my ability to do so. Thank you for the grace of giving. Amen.[i] Proverbs 11:25[ii] Matthew 5:42[iii] Maxwell, John C., Winning With People, Nashville: Thomas Business, 2004, pp. 75-76.Taken from Danny Yamashiro’s manuscript of his book, Discover the Champion in You.
Daily Inspiration from Athletes, Business Leaders, and More
