Faith Like a Child

One of my son’s most endearing qualities is that he, like many little boys, likes to collect small treasures for his mother. He has been known to pick wildflowers, make leaf rubbings, and even catch especially interesting little bugs for me. Yesterday was one of the more unique gifts – during recess he had found a small pine cone, hollowed it out, and filled it with small white flowers. He stowed it carefully in his pocket (“So that the teachers wouldn’t see it and take it away”) and presented it to me after school. Each time he brings me his gifts, my son has complete confidence that I will love and treasure them; his delight is easy to see, and there is no doubt in his heart that what he has brought will be accepted and cherished. He doesn’t want anyone but me to see these gifts; part of his joy is knowing that this will be a secret between just the two of us.

When I bring my gifts to my heavenly Father, do I have such trust? Do I worry that my offering will not be acceptable to Him or that He will not delight in me?

“…Those who walk blamelessly are [the Lord’s] delight” (Proverbs 11:20)

“The prayer of the upright is His delight” (Proverbs 15:8)

Do I compare my gifts to those of my friends and acquaintances, wishing that I could have their gifts to give rather than my own?

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-7)

Do I give my gifts willingly and joyfully, as children do, or grudgingly and out of mere obligation?

“Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

When I share my gifts, am I trying to impress others or I am I focused on pleasing my heavenly Father?

“But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” (Matthew 6: 3-4)

Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!