May 31, 2013
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{what if i did what i could}
“Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who previously had leprosy. While eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. But some of those at the table were indignant, “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did what she could…” Mark 14:3-9the woman in this story acted with what she had. and she acted where she was!
“What if I took stock of my offerings and humbly but realistically grabbed hold of what I could do- and did it, without holding back? Even if it made little sense to those around me but all the sense in the world to God? How could I wholeheartedly let God love me and love Him back, if I did what I could?
What if I acted with what I have? What if I did what I could by giving what I think I can’t live without? Could I live without another pair of shoes? Could I make out a check for the same amount as my mortgage this month and invest in a school in India? I wonder…
Sometimes acting with what we have means we spend money. Other times we invest less tangible assets, such as love, time, or energy.”
this is an excerpt from the book, She Did What She Could.
i’ve read it before, a year or so ago. but reading it again i find it’s challenging me in ways that didn’t strike me the first time through. and i find myself asking…what if I acted where I was, with what I already have?
what does that look like in my life?
often we put off what we could do because we think we need more before we can give.
more money. more time. more spirituality. more getting it together –
wondering what in the world we have to offer. feeling talentless. useless. timid.instead of doing what we can, we do nothing at all.
i love Jesus’ response to the naysayers, it speaks right to my feelings of inadequacy too -
“leave her alone. she did what she could…”in other words, “let her bring what she has. let her do what she can. let her give, whatever that is.”
and i hear my heart asking, what alabaster boxes do i have to give? right now. today.
not waiting until i have more. worrying it’s not good enough. wondering what others might think.
“stop the self editing and just do.”
how might others see the gospel – see Jesus- if i did what i could?
Comments (23)
Great thoughts. I was recently reminded of this also with the widow in 2 Kings who cried out to Elisha stating that the creditor of her husband were coming to collect and she “had nothing”. When Elisha asked what she had in her house she stated “your servant has nothing at all…except a little oil” 2 Kings 4:2.
Wow, I often hide behind the “little” that I have and don’t offer it to be multiplied by the Father!!
(love the pictures in this post also)
I love what you post, I can’t believe Xanga is closing up on us!
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Good lesson, Amber! And Jesus said if we even just give a cup of water in His name, it is something good! I remember speaking at a church and being invited by the pastor to come home with them for dinner. His wife served bologna sandwiches. She was so gracious about it! Of course, I had been expecting a roast and potatoes and all that, but really…. they gave what they had to give, and it was fine. I enjoyed being with them so much. I like to remember when God asked Moses, “What do you have in your hand?” Our “little” with God’s blessing is A LOT!
@srheam - yes. i forgot about that story but it’s a great one too. reminds me that even more than the gift it’s the heart behind it~ which is what i know keeps me from giving of myself and resources as i often should, where my heart is at!
@Tempguestbrief - whaaaat?? i had to go find out what was up. so sad to see xanga shut down. i had went back and forth forever about moving, even have another blog set up, but have really been dragging my feet about it all. guess the decision’s been made for me! :/
@DanishDoll - i love your stories, mae! and who knew that our alabaster box might look like bologna sandwiches at times, but YES!
amen, sister.
Amberdarlin’…(yes, I meant to write that). Please create a new place where I can read your blogging. You’ve always posted beauty, creativity, many wonderful thoughts and things you figured out, etc.
I love this!! “often we put off what we could do because we think we need more before we can give.
more money. more time. more spirituality. more getting it together –
wondering what in the world we have to offer. feeling talentless. useless. timid.”
http://tonebenedict.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/jesus-is-provider/ – unless we see Jesus as our provider, we will always give what we can instead of ALL we can – makes you think differently
love the color in the last picture!
That self-editing part is SO me. Thanks for this. And do you have the same blossoms as we do? Your photos are wonderful.
L<3ve the colors~ Your pictures are so pretty~
…..I believe I’d be quite joyful/content. If I did what I could with what I had. This morning I needed this reminder, it is the second time I read it.
) Love you girl! Your pictures and words always cheer me up and encourage.
“stop the self-editing, and just do” … so convicting, Amber! I needed this gentle reminder to just ‘be’!! Be who I am in Him, and be a blessing to another soul right where He has me! Your images are all so lovely, too!! I’ve always loved to read your blog, but I haven’t been too faithful to Xanga lately, or to visiting here!
I have no doubt that I’ve missed a lot more encouragement from you, and others I’ve met here! Unfortunately, life has thrown us some curves over the past couple of years, but still, I’ve been wanting to get back here to reconnect and start sharing again. It’s been too long, but now the news is not good!! Xanga may close, and I want to stay in touch with the ones here who I’ve been encouraged by reading their blogs … you are one, and I hope you’ll share with us where it is you might go, so we can all follow! I do have a site on WordPress, and on Blogger that I’ve used for my photography … I’ve been reading most may be going to Blogger, so I’m set if that be the case. Either way, I’ll keep an eye open and hope to hear from you soon! Blessings to you! 
beautiful ~
this hits me upside the head. especially, “stop the self-editing, and just do.”
when what i CAN do doesn’t match what i WANT to do…
i somehow water down the can do, into a can’t. or a not now.
your pictures… such a treat. always. love you tons.
@Richgem - thank you sweet gail. xo
@wj3km - great link. “unless we see Jesus as our Provider…” amen!
@quiet_hearts - i think that’s a crab apple tree.. is that what yours is??
@seekinHISwisdom - thanks dearie. miss you!
@Threads_of_Faith - so good to hear from you girl! i think i’m going w/ wordpress, but right now it’s giving me fits so i can’t share the link. hopefully i’ll get it sorted out and posted before long. take care and hope to stay in better touch in the days ahead~
@grace_to_be - So very happy to see this reply, and to be reconnected with you, Amber! I’ll be in touch for sure!
I have both WordPress and Blogger, and haven’t yet decided which one I like best … hey, maybe I’ll just use both! lol! WordPress is very nice — been using that for my photography, too, and it did take some getting used to, but you’ll get the hang of it! Blogger is a bit more ‘user friendly’ in my opinion, but it’s all in what works for you. Either way, I’m so glad you’re going to still be around … just be sure and let us know what your site address will be when you can! P.S. I also have a Facebook for just my friends here on Xanga, and saw that you were there, too, so I’ll send you a ‘Friend Request’ from ‘Debi Smith’, so be lookin’ for it very soon, and I’ll look forward to staying in touch there, too! Blessings to you!!