By Linda Booth of Lee’s Summit, Missouri USA

…give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return.

Traveling with Dad on his journey to death was not easy for our family or for him. As Dad’s dementia worsened, he became more confused, less talkative, and more removed from reality and each of us.

Late one afternoon as I stood by his wheelchair, he called me by name and said, “Did you know that God so loved the world?”

“Yes, Daddy,” I responded. “That’s one of my favorite scriptures. I try to weave it into all my sermons.”

“No,” he said. “Do you know that God so loved the world?”

“Yes, Daddy!”

Again and again he asked me the same question, and I would respond, “Yes!” Finally he declared, “It’s marvelous, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Daddy, it is.”

“Well then, Linda, if you know it, then you better make sure that everyone else knows it, too.”

Dad died several weeks later on January 10, 2014. I still miss him. However, that last coherent conversation lives within me. I treasure the memory that challenges and guides me each day.

For if I truly believe that God loves all people, then I will love all people—the good and the bad, the just and the unjust, the lovable and the unlovable. As Jesus’ disciple, I will reflect a Christ-like love that reveals God’s unmerited grace and generosity. God is generous love. Dad was right; it is marvelous.

Reflection Question

How have you experienced joy and peace through your own generosity or that of others?

Prayer Phrase

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Blessing Walk

As you walk slowly and mindfully around your neighborhood, yard, or house, look around with attentiveness. For every person you see, silently offer a blessing: “May you be surrounded by love.” For places you pass—homes, businesses, churches, shelters—offer a quiet prayer of gratitude or intercession. If walking indoors or unable to move freely, do a “blessing walk” in your mind—imagining those you love or your community and lifting each one in prayer.

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.