Seedtime and Harvest: Week 7

   Two days ago I read "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion... "1 (2 Corinthians 9:7) before starting my day with Kyla and her parents. With my limited resources, I'd still want to bless the people on that day. A preacher once shared, "Not about the size of the amount you give... but it's about your heart to give."2 Before proceeding downtown I offered to treat them to Starbucks which I have a staff discount.
    I ordered at the first window and then talked with the staff at the last window where we received our orders. I told the cashier that I have a partner discount card on my phone which I showed. He then asked me for a government-issued ID, which I found odd. Showing the staff card on the phone is sufficient to verify the identification of the current customer. We only ask for ID if we just verbally state our partner number to avoid fraud. Since I am a genuine staff of the company and have my ID with me, I complied and showed it to him. He then handed me our drinks. As I was to pull my payment he gestured that it is already ok and we can leave, implying he gave all our drinks for free. Instead of choosing to give us just a discount, he gave us free drinks. I was surprised and grateful for what he did.

    Even though I am not the one who treated them, I felt joy in my heart as I received all drinks for free and shared them with others. I intended to personally treat them but there's a different conduit of joy in our midst. "I want to give that to other people as well, the joy I found in Christ is to be shared [with] other people."3 The joy that is in Christ could be in a variety of forms and different manifestations of sharing it with others. It is not meant to keep it to ourselves alone but also for the community.



Footnotes:
1 Bible Study Tools.  https://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/9-7.html#:~:text=7%20Every%20man%20according%20as,God%20loves%20a%20cheerful%20giver. (Accessed July 21, 2023')
2 Cunanan, Fer, Seedtime & Harvest: Giving what's in your hand. Sermon at ENCM/S, North York, ON,  July 16, 2023'
3 Acupan, Russel, LG Discussion. July 15, 2013'

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