Two Cents

BIBLICAL POINT OF REFERENCE:

“A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, ‘Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.’”

It’s that time of year again, my sisters: Lent. A time of fasting, prayer, sacrifice, and resolutions before we find Jesus rising again. I’ll be real: I used to really not like Lent. It was my least favorite part of the whole year because I felt like I had to give something up for the sake of giving something up. I’ve learned that that is not how Lent works, but it doesn’t make the whole idea of sacrifice any more attractive.

This last year has taught me a lot about sacrifice though. I’ve been learning how to sacrifice my wants and needs for other people; how to sacrifice certain foods to improve my health; and how to sacrifice my time to help others.

I’m glad I’ve learned a little more about sacrifice. But there are times still where I feel I have nothing left to sacrifice. There are times where I feel I have nothing left to give to others, where I can no longer be of help to others. I’ve given everything, so what more can I do?

But really, have I given everything? Have I put 110 percent effort into giving of myself? Or do I have something left to sacrifice?

Our biblical point of reference today is about the poor woman who gave all she had: two cents. It seems like nothing, and yet, it is her everything. As Jesus says, it is “her whole livelihood.” And she thought that someone else could use it more than she could, despite her poverty. Now that is what I call sacrifice.

My sisters, when was the last time we gave our two cents? When was the last time we put everything we had into the hands of God and offered it up? When was the last time we truly sacrificed?

This Lenten season is about taking the extra step in giving our two cents. This mission doesn’t call for recognition or approval from others. It calls for a dedication to the sacrifice we have chosen to offer up to the Lord during this holy time. It doesn’t matter if we only have two cents.

Two cents. That’s it. You may only have two cents to give—how are you going to use them?

Your Laughing Sister,

Callahan