The Portion of my Inheritance

His mother had told me the story ahead of time. Her four year old son had told her that he loved his teacher so so much and wanted to buy her a big, big box of candy, holding his little arms high and wide to press his message home. . . . .

It was Valentines day and our kindergarten class was going to have a party at the end of our school day. Each child brought treats and Valentines to share with their class mates.

They were all so excited and when it came time to celebrate, they all sat in a circle with their treasured valentines waiting to pass them out.

But he didn’t get the valentines that he brought for the children, they were still tucked deep inside his backpack. He was the first to sit in the circle, for when I said it was time, he rushed to his backpack and grabbed the big box of valentine candy that he so eagerly wanted to gift his teacher with, and he sat still, waiting. Waiting.

And when I had made the announcement that it was time to pass out the valentines he jumped up from his spot on the floor and with small arms holding out to me the blessed gift. His face glowed with excitement, not at the treasures that were accumulating at his spot, but at the thought of giving to me this gift. He was so precious and so happy that my heart burst with joy.

I accepted his gift and oozed over the beautiful box and the sweet treats that awaited me inside.

Only then, did he go retrieve the other valentines and pass them out.

And the Lord was right all along, it is more blessed to give then to receive, and it was so evident in that gift, for his face told all and his little heart could not contain it’s joy.

And I ate every last piece of that chocolate, each piece reflecting the blessing of that truth. My joy was not in getting the gift, but in the receiving of his joy in giving me the gift.

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35b