And then He turned His attention from the religious scholars to some wealthy people who were depositing their donations in the offering boxes. A widow, obviously poor, came up and dropped two copper coins in one of the boxes. I’m telling you the truth, this poor widows has made a bigger contribution than all of those rich fellows. They’re just giving from their surplus, but she is giving from her poverty- she’s giving all she has to give. ~ Luke 21:1-4, The Voice 

Her name was Mary. I don’t remember her last name, though I try on occasion. I was spending time on the mission field, and she was one of my supporters. Mary was a widow who lived on small means and gave her time to serving God. Each month the checks would come through from churches and individuals who supported me. Then there was Mary’s. Without fail for 24 months I received a check for $10.00 in the mail. Ten dollars. A couple cups of coffee, a meal out. Her widow’s mite.

I like big plans. I like to have everything figured out and often get into the mindset that if I am not able to go big then I might as well go home. I don’t like starting small. I want everything now. I want to help in big ways or not at all. I find that this mind set keeps me from getting to the big places I am meant to go. I have a few minutes to call someone. I have a moment to talk a little longer to someone who needs a friend. I have a second to take a deep breath and move away from being a human doing and into a human being. I have a moment, a second, a minute. I can do something.

How many times do we start thinking that if we are not doing the 1 hour Bible study then the 5 minutes don’t even count? How often do we not make a phone call because we don’t have long to talk? How often do we not give because it is just $10.00? It isn’t much so what difference will it make?

It has been over a decade since the checks stopped coming, and I still remember Miss Mary. Over ten years and her check each month is a significant memory from that time. Remember as you go through the week that the big things are made up of the little things. This week, try to slow down enough to let the little moments and little gifts count.