We were discussing the impending visit of our daughter Ashley. She and her crew were coming to stay for two weeks (originally two weeks, but since has been extended to three weeks). I told him I'd decided to buy all of our food while we were here rather than split the check as we've done in the past when her crew came for extended visits. He thought that was a good idea. I said I'd let them take care of additional baby stuff/food.
He said since I was doing this year of giving that maybe I (we) could move that giving to those in our home.
A lightbulb went on.
I got flush with frustration - at myself. Why didn't I think of that myself?
He is the servant-hearted one I reminded myself and I'm still growing into one; a servant, who gives abundantly, freely, whole-heartedly, joyfully.
Then, I also remembered that we're in this together. When I am weak he is strong. While this may be kinda, sorta, my GIVE project WE. ARE. IN. THIS. TOGETHER. When I give he is also giving.
So, when Ashley and I went to Walmart to get stuff, mostly for Samuel, I held on to our little secret.
She filled her cart with a month's worth of baby food, baby clothes, wipes, formula, etc...all the while believing she was buying it.
At the checkout I told her I was buying.
Here's the thing. I love giving to others. God has shown up big time. He opens my eyes to this place of giving, or this ministry's needs, or that ministry and I've responded, I hope, faithfully.
But, I realized this: Giving closer to home is just as fulfilling. It is just as much a God-sized gift as all the other gifts I (we) have given.