A lesson for me - It is more blessed to give than to receive

Has it ever happened to you? You are [sitting, standing, laying or whatever] there reading your Bible, and all of a sudden a verse jumps out at you. Your thought may be something like this, "I wish I would've had that verse earlier today when...", or "Oh, so that's what I should do about this or that..." or "Oops, I shouldn't have done that..." or "Ok, so...".

Well, maybe a little example might help. Your going to think I'm terrible, but I guess I'll just tell the story anyway. One day, probably 3 years ago, we had our annual home-schoolers game day (held around/on Valentine's Day (for no particular reason)). I got stuck playing easy games with the little kids. You may say, "What's the big deal, you aren't too good for little kids are you?" Well, no, but I was "supposed" to have a fun time playing on this special game day. "Well, someone needs to play with the little kids, it might as well be you." You're right, but I was indignant by the end of the game playing time.

So when we were eating lunch, Mother asked me why I had such a long face. And after some tears and expressed disappointment and anger, my loving Mother decided to play some games with me that afternoon, which did not cheer me. Then, I was mad at myself for being so selfish, and all in all didn't have a good attitude or outlook on the day!

That evening, I was reading my Bible in the book of Acts when I came upon this verse, "And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) I can't remember exactly how I felt, but I think it changed my viewpoint of how I should've been more than glad to play with the little folks. The lesson that it is more blessed to give than receive, whether in time, fun, money, or whatever else, was spoken to my heart that day. Oftentimes, I should remember this when asked/needed to do something for someone, which if I had my "rathers" I wouldn't want to do. I don't think I've learned the lesson entirely, but I trust the Lord will help me in the future.

That was one day I was glad that in the midst of having my devotions, God specifically spoke to me about something I was dealing with.