By Sandra Ferguson of Independence, Missouri USA

It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.

When you’re seven, your parents are chameleons. They master the art of loving you and maintain a daily routine that surrounds you in comfort and safety, while masking their overwhelming fear of being unable to provide even basic necessities. Because of my mother’s courage and determination, I was never aware of how dim our financial situation was. She always took care of me. Absolutely always. How?

My mother’s meticulous habit of putting her meager wages in different envelopes, one for the rent, one for food, one for transportation, one for utilities, one for emergencies, and one for church giving ensured that we always had what we needed.

While budgeting and envelopes became a necessity, as with any family, “incidentals” always crop up. This happened when I began junior high school. I desperately wanted to participate in the school system’s band program. I just magically assumed that I would be able to do that. Years later I learned that my mother approached the junior high school administrators and worked out a plan to pay the band fee in monthly installments rather than the customary one-time upfront fee.

Over the years, I visited my dad and stepmother at various times. My dad believed that actions spoke louder than words, something that I witnessed first-hand on one particular occasion. I watched as my dad and stepmother drove to a friend’s house and put meat in their freezer. My dad knew the family was going through a tough time and he wanted to help—but didn’t want the family to know who gave them the food. I have a feeling the family knew.

Aligning heart with money. This captures the essence of who my parents were and framed their lives, even during difficult trials. Each of us is called to a purpose. Know it or not, we’re not placed here to be aimless wanderers. We are called to something bigger than ourselves. The call to align hearts with money is not about an eternal reward in heaven—not at all. God doesn’t call us simply to believe in words alone. God invites us to participate.

Prayer Phrase

“…do good and share what you have” (Hebrews 13:16).

Enough and to Spare

Take three slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, silently say, “There is enough.” As you exhale, say, “And more to share.” Then name aloud or write down three ways you already experience God’s generosity in your life—big or small. End by asking, “How can I share from what I’ve been given today?”

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.