I’m joining Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Lots of women. All of us writing on that same word.
Today the word prompt is … Give.
I sit thinking about this word for a few minutes. We give our time, our money, our attention, our love. We give our old clothes to charity, donations to the food pantry. We teach our kids to give.
Sometimes giving comes easily. Other times, with sacrifice.
I recently had this question put to me …. “When do we stop and just give to ourselves?”
The question quickly came back to mind when I saw the word prompt, give. By the world’s standard, it is probably a very fair question.
Yesterday I sat at my dining room table with my family gathered around with the unspoken reminder that there were some who were not able to sit with us this year. And yet, in those moments, we laughed till our sides ached and our eyes squirted at the antics of my two granddaughters, who were totally unaware at the hysterics they were creating.
This morning, as I sit thinking on the word prompt, the questions and the laughter my granddaughters gave us, I have the answer ….
We never stop. We keep on giving and in so doing, our God will give to us.
“Give, and you will receive, your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.” (Luke 6:38, NLT)
Give.
He will fill your lap till it overflows!
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Everyday Jesus and Fellowship Fri. and Friendship Fri. and Soul Survival .
sounds like we had a similar thanksgiving. My two year old had my dad and i barely able to breathe with laughter. Isn’t it beautiful that a child so tiny can make your world so big? I loved the Bible verse you shared. Its been quite a while since I read it. You are right, a worthwhile gift doesn’t stop being a gift and God always continues to give to His children. Thank you for the reminder
I am so grateful for the joy & laughter children bring into our lives. It is no wonder the Lord tells us to become like them. We have so much to learn from little ones!
Yes, we just keep on giving! Had an awesome Thanksgiving at our place, too…ALL 3 of my “children”; their spouses (or my “other” 3 “children”); and ALL 6 of the grandkids; PLUS a friend of one whom we’ve known about as long as our granddaughter; and the mother-in-law and brother-in-law and nephew of my one daughter…a house full for sure! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on “GIVE”…loved it!
Now that was a very full house, Barbara! But I bet in all that you gave, you also received much in return. May we keep giving as our Lord continues to give to us. Blessings!
What a beautiful reminder to give. Out of the overflow of all that Jesus has done for us, we give. Then, we receive abundantly from His hand. it’s God’s math, and it is beautiful. #FMFparty
It truly is beautiful, Leah. As we come to Him & receive, we have plenty to give others. And in giving to others, we somehow receive more. His grace is so generous!
May I borrow your question? “When do we stop and just give to ourselves?” I often wonder this although you say it more eloquently. Although we are saved by grace alone, loving God with our whole heart means there is much work to do. He will supply the fuel to do what He has for us. But we must stop, be still and receive. Much to think on from this post. Thank you.
He beckons us to be still before Him so as to receive that which we can then give out. I’m praying I make time this entire season to be still before Him each day. Blessings!
Love your take on “Give”! I didn’t have anything in my brain even though I was at the #FMF party 🙁 Maybe next week! Hope you are enjoying your family. ♥
Nannette, I’m sure you had plenty in your brain just not pertaining to the prompt 🙂 It was your week to receive. Much love to you today!
Lovely post. So much to think about. Thank you [I love the question – find myself pondering it often nowadays]…..a fellow FMF-er
In this busyness of this month, may we make the time to be still & receive from Him. Glad you stopped here & shared. Blessings!
In total agreement. Thank you. Blessings.
What a wonderful question! ‘When do we give to ourselves’–it’s important to keep ourselves filled with God, so that we have plenty to give others. Which means that I give to myself each time I spend time with God. I give to myself when I eat healthfully. I give to myself when I exercise. All of these ‘gifts’ keep me balanced and able to pour myself out for others.
Anita, as we make time to be still with Him in the busyness of this season, He will give to us exactly what we will need in order to give out. I’m grateful you shared your thoughts & especially that you used the word “balanced” for it is in the balance that we will walk steadily with Him. Blessings!
What a great question. As a busy mom of two little boys, I feel like I have no time for myself. But spending yesterday with my family did feed a bit of my soul and weary bones…except for when I had to do the dishes!
Two little boys + the coming month & preparations for Christmas is a sure remedy for weary bones for a mom. May you make time each day for a little quiet before Him each day & find that He restores your soul. Blessings!!!
God gives us the capacity to continue giving. He so graciously pours into us so that we can pour out on others. Praying you had a blessed Thanksgiving!
Barbie, He surely does. Even on those days when we think we have nothing left, He somehow manages to give us just that little bit more. Blessings today on you & yours!
Yes, yes, yes, Joanne! This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately too… And wouldn’t you know it, we have the most when we give ourselves away 🙂 God keeps us in balance and fills us up. Thanks for this wonderful post, friend. Happy First Monday of Advent!
Sharita, may we be faithful to spend time with Him, allowing Him opportunity to replenish our souls so that we continue to give out during this busy season. Looking forward to the days ahead!