Seventy Dollars
By Scott Schultz, Session Elder
We see empty cups all around us: addiction, homelessness, hopelessness, mental illness, spiritual emptiness, worshipping false idols, and the list goes on. We can help fill these cups in many ways.
After Christmas, a friend dropped by with an unusual gift; calling it “complicated but not complicated.” Marianne and I opened the lovely card, which included $70 in cash and a reply card with instructions. Pass the money along to someone who needs it and return the reply card, telling her who we gave it to and how they reacted. Simple enough? Not really! We discussed this opportunity and came up with a couple of worthy alternatives.
Through a good part of Facebook, Marianne learned about Diane McElroy, a nurse/midwife at Tripler who started a grassroots organization in April 2020 called The Kaneohe Neighborhood Pantry and Book Exchange. Diane wrote, “From the humble beginning of a single bin with 6 books and a few groceries to shelves full of books, food, and personal care items. In the last year the pantry has provided facemasks (sewn during the shortage), food, books, DVDs, games, school supplies, clothing, personal care items, etc. Often by people who just leave things anonymously. The participation of the community has helped renew my faith in mankind. It is so nice to see our community come together in these trying days.”
So we gave the money to Diane, who told us she would use it for a spa day, a sorely needed luxury for someone who works the 6 pm to 6 am shift! It turned out to be a gift of rejuvenation and renewal for someone who helps to bring new lives into the world and encourages kindness, generosity, and unity in our world.
“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”(2 Cor 9: 7-9 NLT)
A cup that is always full is the one offered by Jesus. It is full of forgiveness, grace, joy, and love. God fills us through the Holy Spirit, and Jesus fills us through His body and His blood.
“Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty; If your cup is full, may it be again” (from Ripple, Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia). Remember this when a time comes for you to “reach out your hand.”
“You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace. (Psalm 23:5, The Voice)
Sharing an unexpected gift (even your time or an empathetic ear) is one way we can demonstrate God’s goodness and grace in a world suffering from a shortage of goodwill and kindness.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for filling our cups and giving us opportunities to fill the cups of people You put into our lives. I am grateful that You did this through Your only begotten Son Jesus, in whose precious name I pray, Amen.
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