Ashamed

When we arrived at church this morning, I sat down on the grass mat and began to prepare my heart for the service. Lily was sitting with the children; Easton was playing with his trucks; and Lauren was sitting next to me just people watching. Lily then brought me her purse that she had brought with her. I curiously opened her purse and found her wallet inside. I was shocked and not really happy that she had brought her money to church. I did not say anything to her right then, I just took it out of her purse and put it in my bag to keep it safe because she did have money in it!
The church service was concluding and time came for the offering. Lily ran over and grabbed her purse and said, "Mama! Where is my wallet? I need it!" I asked her why she needed it, she responded, "Mama, I need to put my money in the offering plate." My heart sank because of my earlier scolding in my heart and mind of her bringing her wallet to church. I then asked her how much money she wanted to give and she said 2,000 Kwacha. (She only had 6,000 Kwacha.) She was so excited as she took out her K2,000. She ran it up to the offering plate and put it in.

After the service, she looked at me and said, "Mama, I need some more work around the house to get more money to give at church for Jesus." I smiled and agreed that I would find her some special jobs to earn some money.
This whole experience kicked my tail. The Lord really got a tight grip on my heart and my attitude. What seemed to be a foolish action for Lily to bring her wallet to church, was actually a heartfelt action led by the Holy Spirit for her to give an offering. I was ashamed, embarrassed, humbled, and elated all at the same time. Ashamed because of my quick assumption; embarrassed because I was going to scold Lily for bringing the wallet; humbled that she has learned about the joy of giving; and elated because she wanted to give and looks forward to giving to the Lord. Oh man, another one of those days when the blessings that God has entrusted to me teach me a huge lesson and put me in my place, at the feet of the Cross begging for forgiveness and praising my Savior for His grace upon my sinful life.