The first time I met him, I had a trunk full of groceries and two babies on my hips. He saw a stranger with a need and reacted with generosity. Unloading my bags was a simple gesture at the time, but has since resulted in the unexpected blessing of a second grandfather figure. One seed planted produced a treasured relationship for both of us.
I’m not the only recipient of Jim’s generous heart. He is such an extraordinary giver, the children in our congregation even believe him to be the owner of our church. While knowing better, their parents would agree. Jim is present, selfless, and active. His seeds of generosity planted through the years bear lasting fruit.
When we plant seeds we have no idea if they will take root, how they will grow, or even what seeds they will someday sow themselves. But what we do know is that we have a role to play in the spreading of the seed. Our responsibility is to offer what love we have and let God produce the outcomes.
During this Thanksgiving season, we count every blessing of harvest. We celebrate the extraordinary givers who have sown seeds in our lives from which we still are reaping the benefits. We reflect on our own seeds sown. Are they worth reaping? Will they continue to bear fruit for generations to come?
The Scriptures tell us in John 15 that loving each other produces fruit that lasts. I want to sow this kind of seed that reaps a plentiful harvest year after year. Meaningful fruit. Lasting fruit. I suspect you do too.
That is why I created The Love Offering. It is a servant-minded approach to living, focused on sharing God’s love with those around us. Each day provides an act of love to sow into the life of another with a corresponding Bible verse. Our combined effort can create a chain reaction of loving service that point people to Him.
The Bible encourages us in 2 Corinthians 9:6, “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” God has so bountifully blessed us and to much is given, much is expected. Join me as we pour out our blessings as love offerings to the world in thanksgiving to the God who is the most extraordinary giver of all.
Download your free Love Offering calendar and begin sowing the seed of extraordinary giving. Together we can change the world, one love offering at a time!
Rachael Adams is the founder of The Love Offering and the author of Fisk’s Fishing Adventures: The Best Catch. She is currently working on her first Christian living book for women. Her heart’s desire is to encourage women to realize their God given purpose and to embolden them to move into the world through compassionate action. Connect with Rachael at rachaelkadams.com.