Offering What Matters the Most
Well now, goodness gracious, friend, come right on up here and settle yourself on this here ol’ front porch like you’re bein’ welcomed into a summertime picnic where the breeze carries the smell of fresh peach cobbler, and the boards creak out a friendly come‑on‑in here right now. Land sakes alive, I’m so mighty doggone glad you made it over here for a lil’ ol’ visit. If you were any more welcome, that plump tom turkey gobbler that struts around here like it owns the whole yard would march right over and offer you the brightest sunflower head it has been hidin’ from every critter in the field. So, get yourself real comfortable, friend, because we’re about to be headin’ straight into a truth sturdier than a fence post sunk so deep in the ground that even a tractor pullin’ with all its grit would just sit there and groan.
Scripture says, “What can I offer the Lord for all He has done for me” (Psalm 116:12). That there lil’ question ought to sit in our hearts like an ol’ Banty rooster sittin’ on a fence rail at sunrise, remindin’ us that God deserves more than whatever scraps fall off our busy plates. Too often we give Him the last tired minutes of our day, the leftover thoughts, the hurried prayers, the crumbs of our attention.
The Lord gives us another truth tellin’ us, “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase” (Proverbs 3:9). Firstfruits. Not last fruits. Not bruised fruits. Not the fruit we plum went and forgot in the back of the pantry. God wants the very best because He sho’nuff’ gave His best.
That ol’ farmer in the story learned the hard way that our hearts reveal themselves in what we offer. When we give God the choicest part of our time, our thoughts, and our devotion, He downright blesses the rest. When we quiet ourselves before Him and pour out our praise, thanksgiving, and requests, He plum steadies our steps and strengthens our spirit.
Father, thank You for givin’ me Your best. Help me give You mine. Teach me to honor You with my time, my heart, and my choices. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, bless your heart! You’ve gotta be lettin’ the Lord steady your day with the calm confidence of a big ol’ beaver sittin’ beside its dam like it knows the whole creek is runnin’ just right. Let His peace settle over you like the hush that drifts across a pumpkin patch when the sun starts slippin’ low. And may His joy rise in you with the bright sparkle of a lil’ ol’ squirrel discoverin’ the most perfect acorn. Wherever your day carries you, let His goodness guide your steps like a faithful old draft horse headin’ toward the barn knowin’ exactly where the feed bucket is waitin’ for him. Go on now, friend, and give then Lord your very best.
With joy,
Gwen
