Sharing and Caring

The assignment itself was simple.  Walk into the building, meet my contact person, grab a map and take a photo of each room the club would use.  I was so confident of success I told my job partner to stay home.  “I’ve got this.”  I reassured her.  “It will all be fine, no need for both of us.”  To prove my functionality, I arrived at the correct door on time and waited for my contact to arrive.  He didn’t.  After waiting the requisite ten minutes I called his cell phone.  No answer.  I decided to phone the office instead.  No answer.  What to do next?  I was standing outside a locked building and somewhere inside was the fellow I needed to meet.

 

Figuring I had waited as long as I could, I left my post and walked around the building hunting for an open door.  I played stalker for a while, peering in classrooms and pulling on door handles.  I was getting concerned I would be reported by Neighborhood Watch when I spotted a gaggle of mothers.  I jumped out of the flower bed and headed in their direction.  When I had traveled ¾ of the buildings perimeter, a nice lady accidentally on purpose intercepted me on my way the mommy posse.  She looked at me sternly as I pulled twigs off my sweater and asked me if I needed anything.  I explained I found myself locked out of the building unable to make my appointment. I dropped three names by way of reassurance, dusted bark mulch off my Mary Janes and smiled sweetly.  

Deciding I was harmless, she turned her back on me and beckoned me to follow.  She led me down hallways, upstairs, through doors and just as I was worried she was going to attack me and stick me in a broom closet, we arrived at the office.   I thanked her profusely, took the visitor badge from her outstretched hand and pulled an azalea flower off my skirt.  “It can only get easier,” I told myself as I tried to nonchalantly check my hair for additional foliage. 

My contact was summoned from the bowels of the building.  He seemed somewhat surprised to see me but I was undeterred.  I had come for photos and he was to escort me round the building to ensure I didn’t get lost in the process.  After polite small talk we set out on my mission.

It should be recorded that taking photos was my idea.  Renting event space can be a tricky business.  You need to take a venue, adapt it to your needs and then return it to its original state.  Sounds easy but when the venue is a series of elementary school classrooms it can be difficult.  The classrooms of this age group are filled with bright colors, small furniture, and countless projects.  They are simply brimming with stuff.  Important stuff. And elementary teachers know exactly where that stuff belongs. My intention was to take pictures of the rooms before we used them so the restoration process would go smoothly.  I didn’t want anyone upset by unintentional carelessness.

I didn't think anyone would be in the rooms as I took pictures but many teachers were still in the building.   I explained myself and chatted as I took notes on their room restoration.  The process took about an hour and when I was done, I felt I had a rough handle on the job before me.   I went to my car to gather my thoughts. 

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they share their space and their toys. The teachers had welcomed me into their classrooms, but one or two were aggravated by my presence.  I had in front of me a list of do’s and don’ts; a list of my anxieties of their anxieties laid out on a flow chart.  I was hoping that if I did the right thing I could make sharing space easier.  

Scripture discusses generosity and sharing,

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.  Proverbs 11:24

give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38

I reflected on my flowchart.  What does the Lord see when he asks me to share my resources?  Does He look down and see a list of anxieties written on my heart?  Am I preoccupied with the technicalities of giving or am I giving freely of my time, talent and treasure?

There are many ways we limit our generosity.  The thoughts are endless.

...If I give my time, will anyone notice – will I get the recognition I deserve?  If I pour myself out, will I have the energy reserves to deal with the rest of the week?  Will I have enough if I put someone else first?  If I give to this child, will I have enough time for my own?  Do I give to strangers as generously as those I love? 

Stinginess wears many masks and its sole purpose it to keep us out of God’s provision and abundant blessing.  More importantly, it robs those in need of the blessing God intends.  Consider your giving this week friend, are you giving out of a full heart or has anxiety and lack become a restrictive force in your life?

“Did you get everything you needed?”  I jumped, I hadn’t seen anyone approach my car, I was so lost in my thoughts.   She was in her 50's and a teacher in the first room I photographed.  I unrolled my window and looked up,  “yes, I think I did.  Thank you.”  I caught her looking at the paper strewn across my dashboard and laughed.  “I’m very aware of trying to take care of your classroom space.  You guys work so hard, I don’t want to make anyone cross.”  I sighed unintentionally, betraying my concern.  She smiled at me, “I think you are forgetting something,” 

“I am?  Oh dear?  What?”  I grabbed my clipboard, ready to take notes.

“We just work here.  We don’t own the place, ultimately it all belongs to Him doesn’t it?  Relax dear, you are just responsible for doing your part.”  With that, she patted my arm gave a wave as she walked to her car.

Amen and amen.

I’m praying for you this week,

xoxKaren