A few weeks ago at Mass my husband and I sat behind some grandparents and their 4(ish) year old grandson. He was adorable and just as rowdy and distracted as you would expect a little boy to be for Mass.
He kept waving to us and “flying” his Superman doll around the pew singing, “Baby Superman! Baby Superman!” He also sang every hymn, and kept singing LOUDLY well after the songs ended which understandably resulted in a lot of shushing from his grandmother.
But what I noticed most about his behavior is the pure joy he expressed when it was time to give the offering. He clutched that envelope like it was the greatest treasure in the world and grinning ear-to-ear, proudly put it in the basket before passing it to the person next to him.
This was a much needed reminder for me about being a joyful giver.
6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
It caused me to examine my heart. Have I been giving as much as I should? Has it been an honor and pleasure share the gifts I’ve been given, or am I doing it out of guilt or obligation? I believe the Lord wants us to give as freely and as joyfully as He has given to us.
I hope one day I can give as eagerly and cheerfully as that little boy.
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As an aside, thank you to all the parents who bring their little ones to Mass. I know at times it seems like they’re acting out and distracting everyone around them, but maybe sometimes that’s God’s plan for showing the rest of us what it’s all about.
3 and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3