When I was a teenager, I had the opportunity to travel quite a bit with my family. Because my dad is a college professor, he had the entire summer off each year. One summer, we took at trip to Alaska. We started in Pensacola, Fl (where we lived at the time) and headed north. We drove through several of the Canadian provinces and up the Alaska highway which wasn't even completely paved at the time. I will never forget that amazing trip! I feel as if I could write a book (or at least a really long chapter) on the crazy adventures that our Florida family had in the tundra of Alaska! One of the most special things about traveling was the churches we would visit each week. I was always amazed at the differences in each church body. One Alaskan church stands out to me the most! It was a tiny church in the very small town of Glenallen, AK. The people there were very friendly and welcoming, but the thing I remember most was the pianist. As the congregation stood to sing, she began to play - with one finger. I can still remember the look of joy on her face as she played the hymns without any flair, but with her entire heart. She was not en expert pianist by any means, but I know that didn't matter to the Lord at all! She was offering Him her best! As I watched her play, I couldn't help but think of a similar story in scripture. Mark 12:41-42 says,
"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny,
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
Jesus appreciated the widow's gift because she gave with a sacrificial heart. Her offering meant more to Him than any of the other larger gifts. This principle applies to more than money. It can apply to any other area in which we choose to serve Him. He doesn't expect amazing talent or ground breaking ideas. Instead, the Lord desires for us to serve Him with all that we have. He delights in our BEST!!