I don’t know how this story will end. I only know one small part.
But I know what the logic and thinking of the world might be.
It might sound like this.
It’s too close to Christmas. All the gifts are almost bought. We are headed toward a fiscal cliff. There is not enough to go around in my own world. There are great needs everywhere.
And this is what I know of God:
He is beautiful and strong and capable and yet he longs to use us.
His miracles have always amazed and they always will.
He is merciful and loving and longs to heal the hurting.
And I know this about myself and my ability to see. I can’t. Not always. See past impossibles to possibles. I can’t always see Light and Hope in darkness. And I am terrible in math. So I try to draw a linear equation between the wants and needs and the generous and the givers and the you’s and me’s. But I am not good in math. But I do know the heart of God. And I know the touch and mark of His work in lives is both tender and powerful. Both and.
I also know I have a heart for words. So my heart tries to jump out onto paper which is actually a one dimensional back lit holder of my avatar. Not paper at all.
God can fill the gaps between the need and the resources. Between my words and my desire to help. Between the givers and the needy. Between poverty and plenty.
And I don’t know the end of the story. I just know one part of it.
That’s where hope comes in. And trust too.
Compassion International has a goal for December to bless children in poverty and they have reached but a fraction. The space is wide and deep and long between the goal and the what’s come in.
I know that. And I write words. And God knows the hearts of man and how he can use each of us in a Christmas Miracle.
So in the bleak midwinter, I lay out the goal, God knows the end.
I only know a small part.
But I wait with an expectant heart, pregnant with celebration at the outcome.
This may be for one person. This may be for one hundred and one hearts.
My goal is $100 for Compassion International. Maybe its one giver, maybe two at $50, or ten at ten.
Here is the link to Compassion International’s Gift Catalogue. You can give some Christmas Joy there.
Wherever that is for you, may we all find joy in the giving and peace in our offerings.
Merry Christmas to each of you. You bless my heart every day. And I am grateful.
God, the Writer, Editor and Perfecter of all of our stories, may you bless the children. And may you use us in your blessing.
Lord give us eyes to see the joy in giving, the hidden and the unseen that you long for us to be a part of, and give us hearts to bless the broken. Today and everyday. Amen
Joining Jen, Emily, and Heather today
elizabeth w. marshall 
I love how you use your gift, friend. Was planning to head over there today or tomorrow for some gifts, so maybe I’m part of the story, too. Yay. 🙂 Love you, friend. Praying for you today.
Thank you for encouraging me and supporting me. If you want to click on from my blog and give it will help me meet my goal. Otherwise, freely go there by whatever method. Just thank you for going and thanking for supporting Compassion. You are such a source of encouragement to me. xo, elizabeth
He desires to use each of us. “God can fill the gaps between the need and the resources.” Great reminder, Elizabeth.
I’m no good at math, either. I think that helps me give room for God’s equations.
Cuz 2 + 2 doesn’t always equal four with Him.
Love to you, Elizabeth. And a beautiful holiday to you and yours.
“God can fill the gaps between the need and the resources. Between my words and my desire to help. Between the givers and the needy. Between poverty and plenty.” I am not good at math either but thankfully He is. Such a beautiful post. I am visiting you via chatting at the sky – nice to meet you!
nice
I realize this post was written a while ago, but I just wanted to stop by and say that you write beautifully. I found you via Twitter. My husband and I blog, sponsor, and advocate for Compassion. Many blessings to you and yours!
Thank you so so so much. I am humbled. I had closed the comments on my blog for a short season and I don’t know how you found a way to leave a comment but I am so blessed by the fact that you DID. Thank you for finding me and leaving kind words. Blessings to you and yours TOO.