Once in awhile I'm reminded of an incident that occurred some years ago on John's Island, SC, off the coast of Charleston. A group of us had gone there to do various work projects like building and painting. After church on Sunday we were invited to the locals' homes for dinner. Five of us were at one particular home where the host provided us a great meal of biscuits, gravy, and an incredible gumbo. In that culture, the women run the households, and this particular woman was very busy making frantic preparations for our meal.

We were seated at a large table with the family, and "mama" brought out the food to serve us. We said a prayer and started to eat. The conversation around the table was so lively that it took us awhile to notice that "mama" wasn't present. We later discovered that she did not eat, and that all the food that was supposed to last her a week had been prepared and set before her guests. I was stunned, and humbled, but she was ecstatic to have the opportunity to serve us.

I think of that at times when I think I'm giving so much, and yet I realize there is still so much more that I could give. But no matter what we give, it will never compare to what Jesus gave to each of us. A little more generosity to all people would undoubtedly make a difference in this world. Be extraordinary kind, because everyone is fighting some kind of battle.