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2004-04-20 issue:

Something more

A lesson in generosity

by Ruth Naylor

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Every once in awhile something happens that makes my heart beat a little lighter and brings inspiration to the average day. Such was the case today.

While I was serving on the pastoral staff at our church, I took a training course in spiritual guidance. In retirement I’ve continued to offer spiritual direction to those who want to deepen their sense of God’s presence and direction in their lives. Today a pastor from another denomination in a nearby city was ready to leave my home. Our hour together was finished, and she was looking through her purse. “I seem to have forgotten my checkbook,” she said.
“That’s OK,” I said. “You remember that I don’t charge anyway. Anything you ever leave for me is purely gift. Just forget it this time.”

She ignored my offer and sorted through the cash in her billfold. Slightly flustered, she said, “Without my check record, I can’t even remember how much I usually pay you.”

Trying to put her at ease, I told her she usually leaves me $35, but now I was embarrassed as well. “Just let it go,” I said. “You are an inspiration to me, and I’m happy you find benefit in coming.”

“I don’t have the right change,” she said as she laid a $20 bill and a $10 bill on the end table beside her. “I’ll leave this for you now and then next time I’ll give you more.”

We hugged and she left. I blew out the Christ-light candle, picked up the money, straightened the cushions on the couch and picked up our two teacups to return them to the kitchen. As I was rinsing them at the sink, the doorbell rang.

This attractive young pastor, in her early 30s, still a bit ruffled, was smiling. “Without telling you the whole story behind this,” she said, “I want to pay you more rather than less.” She pushed another bill into my hand, her eyes reflecting the joy of acting on spiritual impulse.

Glancing down, I saw that it was another $20. I was speechless but also curious. Although she needed to be on her way, she agreed to explain briefly. “It is budget planning time in our church,” she said, “and in last Sunday’s sermon, our lead pastor shared a recent experience that is related to support of kingdom work.”

This is the story she told me:
An unchurched man in the community had called First Church* to see if he could consult with Rev. Smith* about a personal family matter that was troubling him. The church secretary made the necessary arrangements, and at the appointed time a well-dressed gentleman appeared. 

Behind closed doors, the pastor and his visitor talked for a long time. When the conversation seemed to be winding down, this successful businessman turned to the pastor and in a magnanimous voice said, “Rev. Smith, I really appreciate the time you’ve given me this afternoon. You’ve helped me a lot.” His voice brightened as he continued, “I’d like to make a contribution to your church if I may.”

Rev. Smith was more than willing to accept his gift. It was obvious the man was well-to-do, and the finance committee would be more than happy to channel the money into some worthwhile kingdom project. 

The businessman reached for his billfold and pulled out a $20 bill. “Have you got change for a twenty?” he asked. Taken aback, the pastor felt for his billfold, only to find that he’d left it at home.

“That’s all right,” the businessman assured him. I’ll drop something off later in the week.”

A few days later, when the pastor returned from lunch, his secretary said the man had just been in to leave a contribution in appreciation for the time the pastor had spent with him. On his desk, the pastor found an envelope containing a $10 bill.

My pastor friend chuckled and said, “So now you know why I want to give you more rather than less.”

We hugged again. I thanked her for the story and for the unexpected gift. She went back to her car, and I went back into the kitchen, knowing I was feeling a new burst of generosity myself. I know that in the days ahead there will be unexpected opportunities to pass on that feeling of goodwill that comes with generous kingdom giving.

Ruth Naylor is a member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, Ohio.

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