A Sharing Heart

One summer morning, a group of seven teenagers took off on a day hike. They were all from the church I served, and they had planned this outing for some time. Most of the kids had backpacks or totes in which they stowed their stuff. I saw Bethany had only a paper bag in her hand. Together they trekked up the hilly path on their way to a lake. As normal, there was a lot of noise and bantering between the youth, but all were having a good time. At the lake, after throwing rocks into the water and scrambling up some large rocks, they settled by the lake and took out their lunches to satisfy their hunger. It was then I noticed that Bethany moved away from the group, climbed on top of a large rock, and opened her sack, withdrawing a single apple past its prime. Suddenly, April, a good two years older than Bethany, moved up and over next to her. There April removed her sandwich and handed half of it to Bethany. I wish I had heard what was said, but I noticed that Bethany handed April her apple who took a big bite out of it and handed it back to Bethany to finish. The laughter they shared was awesome!

In the story found in Acts 2 of the new converts to Jesus: “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.” (vss. 44-45) It is a story of sharing and caring for all.

I think of the rhythm of our Lutheran worship where the bread and wine are shared together—shoulder to shoulder with friend and stranger. It is a moment when Jesus meets us and gives his gifts of forgiveness, peace, and community to each of us! Or consider how after worship, we eat cookies and drink coffee, often welcoming new people into our conversations and introducing them to our friends. When we share what we receive and what we have with others, we are welcoming them and showing them what it means to be a follower of Jesus. May this be our mission in the weeks and months ahead.

Prayer: Lord, all that I have is from you. Thank you. Give me a sharing heart and an acceptance of others outside my normal circle. Amen.