If I Knew Now What I Knew Then

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it"(Mark 10:15).

The adage says, “If I knew then what I know now, you’d be looking at a different me.” While true, it is unfortunate. There is a sadness in maturity if we lose the joy of innocent giving.

With face beaming, Little Bobbie burst into the room, carrying a bouquet of dandelions. Mom gladly accepted the gift. Instead of dandelions, she saw love. Our Heavenly Father wants us to give with that same exuberance. However, we are reticent because we only see the dandelions.

We fail to invite the newcomers over for a meal because our refrigerator is nearly bare. We fail to send a word of encouragement because we don't have the proper stationery. We refuse to teach a religious education class because we are not Biblical scholars. We do not participate in the worship service because we believe our talents are too limited.

By worrying about the dandelions, we miss the opportunity to make a new friend, to lift another's spirits, to help a child discover God's truth, or to fellowship with our Father who takes pleasure in the offering of ourselves.Let us not withhold our gifts for fear they are lacking in splendor or substance. God sees only the love.