God’s Own Bird Feeder
By Alice Waite of Independence, MO, USA
He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” —Luke 21:1–4 NRSV
I have personally experienced great joy in becoming more generous. To give and share freely is a wonderful gift and has brought a rich blessing and happiness for me.
Last spring a friend shared two sunflower seeds from her packet of seeds. I planted them on the west side of our garage. They grew so tall they reached the roof, and we staked them for support.
They produced seed pods ten inches in diameter, each containing thousands of seeds. Wow—God’s generosity! What a wonderful Creator!
I hope I can become more like our Savior and share more from the plenty God has given me.
Prayer for Peace
Creator God, we know your eye is on the sparrow. We know you watch us, too. May we watch out for one another and share your justice and peace.
Spiritual Practice: Abolish Poverty, End Suffering
Read and reflect on John 21:15–17 as a meditation. Direct your mind to places where people have no homes. Think of the wars and natural disasters that destroy the homes of refugees. Be aware of the hungry and homeless who wander the streets or live in shelters. Let the images fill your mind. Offer a prayer for those who suffer. Imagine Christ is tending those sheep. Think of ways you might end their suffering as part of your mission. Throughout the day, carry in your mind the voice of Christ saying, “Feed my lambs…tend my sheep…feed my sheep.”
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will plant tiny seeds, having faith for the great hope and peace they will grow.
