Missionaries in Africa are often amazed with all the varieties of gifts that people can bring to a thanksgiving or harvest service. They are so honored with all the gifts the precious saints bring when they visit their churches. In both cases, there could be eggs, live chickens, vegetables, yams, goats, fruits, etc.
One missionary tells of a thanksgiving service where many gifts had been delivered including a huge basket. When it looked like all of the gifts had been given, the pastor prepared to go on with the service. He paused as a skinny, frail old man made his way to the front of the church. Empty-handed he went to the large woven basket and climbed inside. With no offering to bring the man had decided to give the only thing he had – himself. Giving ourselves is the most important gift that we can bring to the Lord. It is the gift of gifts.
“What can I give Him, Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give Him?
Give Him my heart.”
(C. Rossetti)
photo credit: katie-landry via photopin cc
James Poitras 