ROOTED - Friday, August 1, 2025
Acts 20:35
35 It is more blessed to give than to receive….
Reflection: Roots to Fruit Friday… A Gift
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
On the mission trip to Minneapolis, a few of the male students connected with me relative to LEGO. One student in particular (I will withhold names such as to not embarrass anyone) likes both LEGO and Star Wars (my kind of young person!!!!!!). As a matter of conversation, I proceeded to tell him that I had a LEGO set I recently regretted not purchasing. I had seen this set at Walmart on clearance for $50, down from $69. I make a habit of not making spontaneous decisions LEGO related. I determined I would return in a couple days and if the set was still there, then it was meant to be… I would buy it. When I returned a few days later, it was not there, and I had a pang of regret. Anyway, I related this story to this young man.
Importantly, note that we took several vans to Minneapolis and served in different groups (of about 7 people) around Minneapolis throughout the week. So, every group, on their own, would stop at different stores as the drivers/leaders decided on their free time. Well, one day this student says, “hey, Pastor Jesse, I want to show you something.” I followed him to our sleeping area, and he handed me this LEGO set. His group had gone to Walmart and he saw the set on clearance and decided to get it for me. I felt deeply, deeply touched and honored. The fact that this young man would think of me and sacrifice of his money to purchase this set for me… I was blown away with gratefulness and sincere gratitude. What a wonderful expression of kindness!!! Reflecting on this gift has brought me to tears the last few days. I am so, so, thankful. I cannot imagine how he has felt more blessed than I have felt, because receiving this gift from him has been such a blessing. To him I say again, sincerely, “Thank you!” I wonder how blessed God feels when we give sacrificially to him? I wonder if our expressions of appreciation reflected in our gifts to God… I wonder if God is often equally deeply moved. I imagine He is!
Prayer
Lord, may we be good givers to you, knowing that it moves the heart of God when we give to you out of obedience and gratitude.