I woke up and asked myself a hard question.

Is being known for my writing more important than God? Has writing become my shiny thing, my idol?

Jesus knew people. Knew their intent, their hearts, their broken paths towards whatever was important to them.

I smile when I imagine Him teaching, redirecting those around Him, in His own way saying, “Hey, you know what?”

My friend, Judy tells a story about her grandson. As a toddler, he prefaced every sentence with “You know what?” I think he may be in college now and I’m thinking this young man is surely wise.

We learn as we go.

What I’m learning in these days of trying to continue and believe are small, tiny hard lessons. Naturally, they feel enormous to me. But, they are teeny tiny when I consider all the good God has made possible for me.

The widow had two coins. I imagine her approaching Jesus through the rich and condescending, more successful donors. She gave her all to Jesus, unphased by them. Jesus gladly accepted her all and she wasn’t concerned with anything other than her significance in Him. There’s a lesson here; bypass the critics, bypass the false encouragers. Go straight with your gift to Jesus and place it in the palm of His hand. Repeat as you are able. Give from what He gives you. Little is much in the eyes and hands of our Father!

“While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus knew I needed to be reminded today that what I have to offer might be met by scoffing, even laughter in the eyes of others more lofty, farther along than I.

I’m taking some things off my plate today. I’m making every effort to make my gift of writing small again.

Thank you for the redirection, God. When I give to others seeking affirmation or notice, I may be rejected. My contribution may be seen as too small, my presence may be unwelcome. Thank you for your words which lead to me making sense of mine. Thank you for the courage to keep giving it all, my small gifts, my very few coins. Because of mercy, Amen