Maureen wearily put the box into the garbage can after binging on cold pizza. Her life had been difficult for months. As the rift in her parents’ relationship continued to grow, her sense of security waned, and a fear of losing her family filled her heart. After a few months of a trial separation, her parents decided to finalize a divorce. It seemed that Maureen couldn’t shake the ever-increasing gloom that grew heavier by the day.
“When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
MATTHEW 6:3-4
At first her friends asked if there was anything they could do. Others made sure she was included in plans to go to the mall or to see a movie. But after a few weeks, no one asked how she was doing anymore; her friends had gotten on with their lives and figured Maureen had gotten used to living in a single-parent household. But she had not gotten used to it. A deep sorrow had settled in upon her heart, and joy seemed unattainable.
One day when her father dropped her off from their weekly visit, she stopped by the mailbox on her way to the door. A small “thinking of you” card was tucked inside. It was signed, “Someone who cares.” A ray of sunshine touched her heart as she read those simple words.
Someone really cares, she thought. She didn’t know who it was, but she knew that someone was concerned about the situation that overshadowed her life. All day long she wondered who had been so kind. She looked at the card over and over, trying to see if she could recognize the signature. She knew that the person was praying for her, and she wanted to let her know how much she appreciated it.
As the weeks and months passed, Maureen continued to receive greeting cards from this anonymous person. The signature was always the same. But no one ever confessed to being the sender. Only God knew who uplifted her spirit. And for the sender, that was enough.
When you give, take to yourself
no credit for generosity unless
you deny yourself something
in order that you may give.
SIR HENRY TAYLOR