Elevated Friday, January 4th, 2019

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of generosity that truly exemplifies the kind of giving Jesus called us to do. In Washington state, Rachel Uretsky-Pratt is an elementary school teacher in a lower-income school district. Before her class was released for Christmas break a few weeks ago, all the students brought in little gifts for their teacher to show their appreciation. However, one of her students did not have the means to buy a gift. In this school, breakfast is provided to the students, as most of them do not have that luxury at home. That morning, they served Lucky Charms cereal. This one student picked out all of the marshmallows (the best part of the cereal for any child) and packaged them in a little plastic bag. She gave those marshmallows to her teacher. Rachel posted to Facebook this small but incredibly meaningful gift, noting it because though this child seemingly had nothing to give, she gave the best of what she had. This is the type of generosity that Jesus calls us to embody.
In the Book of Mark, a poor widow gives two small copper coins into the offering after many rich people threw in large amounts. However, Jesus praises this widow because she is giving all she has, instead of just what is leftover. When we give our best to others, and not just our leftovers, God blesses the lives of both of giver and the recipient. Today, give your best to others in whatever you do.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” – Mark 12: 41-44 NIV
Original Article:
https://bit.ly/2F2vd2J