On Giving

Is it true that, everything you needed to know, you learned in Sunday School?

Today, at the church I go to, during children's ministry, the lesson is on giving. And when I pay attention, this is what I hear:

And now I'm going to pass out these coins, half-dollars. Now, in Sunday School, I know that you are being challenged to raise one thousand dollars for people who need our help...

At that point, I don't hear any more, because my brain is busy with two sudden and abrupt though. So I don't know if he mentioned anything specifically about putting the money in the offering bag, or if the kids are actually allowed to do what they choose with it. But the first thought deals with, what if they were given the choice.

It goes like this: I wonder if those kids are facing any kind of conflict? What if, when the offering bag comes around, and they would rather keep the money? After all, it's their money. But then again, it's not really. They don't have to give. But on the other hand, do they want people to know they didn't? It's their money, just not to keep.

The second thought is: One thousand dollars? One thousand dollars??!!

They close with an echo prayer (oh, such a cute name!), of which I hear: Thank you Lord, for giving us money, so that we can bless others with it.

And all is right in the world.

Thank you Lord, for giving us all that we have, so that we may bless others with it.