The Giving Box

Hadley watched as Clemence hurried into their church classroom. The loose sole of her worn shoe slapped against the floor. Flap…flap...flap. She looked like she was trying to enter without anyone noticing her. Hadley knew Clemence's brother had been sick for a while and most of her family's money went toward doctor bills. Mrs. Perez, their teacher, held up her Bible. "Who will read today's verse for us?" A boy named Adam raised his hand. "Luke 3:11," Adam began. "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." "Now, what do you think this verse means?" asked Mrs. Perez. Hadley raised her hand. "It means that we should share with others in need. If you have something you don't need and know someone who needs it, give it to them." "That's right," said Mrs. Perez. "As believers, we have the power to be generous because Jesus was so generous to us, giving up His own life as a sacrifice for our sins. We could never give as much as Jesus has given to us, but we can be generous with what we have and share with others." Hadley thought of Clemence and her flapping shoe. She was much taller than Clemence and had outgrown several pairs of shoes, as well as many clothes that were still in great shape. Suddenly, she had an idea. "Mrs. Perez, that Bible verse made me think of a big box I have at home where I put things I don't need anymore," said Hadley. "What if I brought it in so it could be our giving box? We could use it to collect clothes, shoes, books, toys, or anything else we don't need anymore and then give those things to people who need them." "Yeah," said Adam. "We could even paint shirts on the box to help us remember the verse we read today!" "I love that idea!" said Mrs. Perez. "Okay, Hadley, you bring the box to class next week and I'll bring painting supplies." The kids cheered. Hadley smiled. When she thought of all Jesus had given her, she was excited to share what she had with others. After class, she'd let Mrs. Perez know that she wanted Clemence to have first pick of whatever was in the box. –Christine Collier