We used some of the following in our Abraham and Sarah piece, but I thought you might get a kick out of the full “unabridged” edition. Besides, it gives opportunity to make a point about giving – a point I know only in my head, not yet in my heart. Though the actual situation is fictitious, the feelings and attitudes expressed are all inspired by the truth.
“Marti,” John whines. “Those nasty neighborhood kids are here … again. They are crawling all over the table like a swarm of ants ready to pick up whatever is in their path and carry it off. Hungry little buggers. Don’t they have homes of their own that come with plumbing and parents?”
“Add to the salad and get the juice please,” Marti says, rolling her eyes.
John goes at it again: “But we have just enough chicken for the three of us and a bit more should Annie come home early. Those kids are eating everything! My portion, your portion, Chandler’s portion, and Annie always comes home hungry.”
“Oh stop it, John; you sound like one of the 3 bears. Hey, everyone! Who wants more?”
John begrudgingly looks at the chicken wing he holds in his hand, and with a grimaced look hands the precious gift to a waiting freckle-faced redhead.
“Is anyone ready for dessert?”
“Oh no you don’t, Marti. You aren’t going to give those little urchins the tiramisu I paid $12 for. They won’t even appreciate it. Besides, you said we would save it for a special occasion.”
“Well, John, enjoy the special occasion. Are we having fun yet? Anyone want seconds?”
With tummies momentarily full, Marti rallies by saying, “Who is planning on staying the night?” John clutches his chest. “Each of you call your parents and give them my number – but be sure to ask first.”
And as fast as these little pests came, they are back out on the street with their skateboards. And guess who is left to clean up?
Some of us have a gift for giving; others of us struggle with this. I have to overcome my natural tendency to share with others, and I barely know the feeling of sharing freely.
One of my greatest mistakes is to think I have to have an abundance before I can give, when in truth, giving is an attitude of the heart that creates an abundance.
John Fischer The Catch 
Interesting, I was just tweeting last night about the inimitable Oseola McCarty (see below), who spoke of “feelings following actions.” I think it’s very much the case of one reinforcing the other and helping to perfect the giver. But you’re right, the heart for giving must be there for the actions to become meaningful. And she’s also right, the feelings — the cheerful giver phenomenon — results from, and grows from, the discipline of giving. It’s quite possible that no one in our times better illustrated the precept that you don’t have to have an abundance to give, any better than Oseola McCarty.
The amazing #OseolaMcCarty: “Feelings Follow Actions.” http://www.nathanielturner.com/oseolamccarty.htm … @GunnarSimonsen I was once a Garbage Man « http://awe.sm/k1RbO
wanted to thank-you brother Gary P. for providing those two web sites – I throughly enjoyed reading both of the stories – and was humbled by both…
Let me plz “say” do not, plz do not feel alone in this regard my friend Pastor John: “One of my greatest mistakes is to think I have to have an abundance before I can give…” yet I hope & pray to someday sweet day more fully understand this part: “…when in truth, giving is an attitude of the heart that creates an abundance.” I know, that i know it’s the truth, yet long to be able to live by it more fully… 🙂
One of my greatest frustrations is that I’m so far below zero, and the pile of bills is so tall, that there isn’t anything to share.
I think we need to learn to share a portion of whatever we have and not wait until we have more. The widow’s mite is case one.
I’m soooo sorry to learn about this brother TimC you’ll certainly be in my thoughts and prayers and may God’s speed and blessing hold you up & help you!
I’m reminded of a song Kelly Willard sang a million years ago called “Follow Me” –
“If just a cup of water I place within your hand
Then just a cup of water is all that I demand…,”
The rub comes when I have a whole WELL full of water, and still only want to part with a cup.
Thank you and God bless you. I have trouble with this as well and pray everyday that God will change my heart, I will pray for you too.