Memorial Box Monday: Generosity

A few years ago, our church collected a special missions offering. My son, then about 12 years old, asked if he could donate the money from his savings account. He had saved up about $100 to purchase his own bass guitar.

My husband and I took some time to mull over his request. I'm saddened that we didn't agree to his request right then and there. Maybe that's why Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 18:3 NIV) Eventually, we came around and he gave his savings.

We didn't tell anyone about it. He gave anonymously. The purest, most generous gift a boy could give.

About a week later, a guy from our church who happened to play bass guitar on the praise team, called. He stammered a bit, then finally asked if he could buy our son a bass guitar. He rushed on, explaining that he felt God telling him to bless Nathan with the guitar. He then added he had never done anything like this before, and he hoped we'd let him do it.

Really? God, really?

Can you imagine the thoughts roiling through my head? First shame, for not trusting God the way my son did. Quickly replaced with stunned amazement. God says, "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38 NIV)

Our son understands generosity. Give. God's got you taken care of. Simple as that.

The following weekend after services were over, we led our son into the worship center, eyes blind-folded. The guys on the praise team brought out the new bass guitar -- AND CASE AND AMP AND CORDS AND STRAP AND CLEANER AND TUNER! They set it down and Nathan opened his eyes.

Nathan is back right on stage.
His friend, Matt, is in the foreground.

Stunned!

We all cried a few joyful tears that day. (I'm choking up as I share this now.)

Fast forward four years. These days, my generous boy, now 16, not only plays bass guitar, he is honored to serve alongside some wonderful musicians and lead our church in worship. Every time I see him, guitar strapped on, I remember this incredible blessing from God. Truly. Blessed.


Memorial Box Monday started at "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced it to me, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).