Maleah's Mite

I received an email from a member in our Stake over a week ago.  The email informed me of a family whose 20 month old son was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and they were putting together an area wide yard sale to earn money for his doctor bills.  I felt compassion for this family. 

I remembered that my girls over the Summer had been compiling toys that they no longer play with and were putting them in bags in the attic for when our family could have a yard sale.  They love it when we can do that because they received the money we earn from their toys to then go purchase new toys.

When the girls came home from school, I read them the email and asked if they would be willing to donate the bags of toys they had collected for this great cause to help another.  They were on board!!  

Maleah's birthday is tomorrow and she will turn 7 years old.  My little one is growing up too fast.  Monday, she received a birthday card in the mail from her grandparents which included a $5 bill.  I watched as Maleah starred at the bill for a few minutes.  I assumed she was trying to figure out the value of that bill and what great toy she could buy with that new acquired money.  When to my surprise, she looked up at me and said, "Mom, could I give this money to that little boy with cancer"?  

My heart melted.  What an amazing example my children are to me as she was willing to give all that she had.  

Her example made me think of the Widow's Mite story found in Mark 12: 41-44. 

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites which make a farthing.

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

The Savior wants a willing and generous giver to help build up His kingdom and to help care for the poor and the needy of His church.  

This was such a humbling lesson for me.  Because what did I do when I read that email?  I thought of what my kids could give up and it included items they didn't want anymore.  I didn't think of what I could give.  My heart needs to be willing and generous to give up what I personally have.