The Fourth Sunday in Lent
An Unexpected Gift
Reflection By Shannon Duckworth
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.
- Luke 6:38
I could not pedal another inch. Or, at least that’s what I told myself as I stood on the side of the road next to my bike, looking at the impossibly steep hill that stood between me and the finish of that day’s ride. Although only a mile long, it might as well have been the side of a mountain. As the minutes passed, I felt my already sagging spirit deflate.
I was standing on the side of the road next to Scott Stoner, Executive Director of Living Compass. We, along with 20 or so fellow cyclists, spent a week that summer in the mountains of Vermont. The days were long but filled with beauty, laughter, and prayer. But, that day, I believe we had the same thought: Not another inch.
When all hope seemed lost, a woman pulled up next to us in a small pickup truck. An idea came to mind! I jumped off my bike and knocked on her car window. “Do you mind if we hop in the back of your truck? We just need a ride to the top of that hill.” She looked a little bemused but quickly said, “Sure! Hop in.”
There has never been a ride so sweet. I can still remember the utter joy I felt in the light of her generosity.
Generosity embodies a virtue that transcends more than material giving. In the grand scheme of things, it was only a mile-long truck ride. But it meant everything. I believe that generosity calls us to a spirit of abundance, a mindset of selflessness, and a willingness to share one's resources, time, and talents with others. At its core, generosity is an expression of love and compassion, enriching both the giver and the receiver in immeasurable ways.
As we strive to live generous lives, we may always look to find ways to offer something as simple as listening attentively or giving words of encouragement. Or we might be called to just show up. For we know that when two or three are gathered, God will be there. Sometimes we are the givers and sometimes we are the ones on the receiving end of these gifts, but in whatever role, we are called to open our hearts with grace and humility.
I often wonder if that kind woman ever thinks about the two exhausted cyclists she ferried to the top of that hill. I wonder if she knows how much her generosity meant to us. I pray that she does. And I can only hope that when faced with an equally unexpected opportunity to extend generosity, I too will say, “Sure! Hop in!”
Listen To Our Lent Podcast Episodes
We also invite you to listen to the Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness Podcast hosted by Scott Stoner. This is a year-round, weekly podcast; however, during Lent, there will be two new episodes each week to enrich your experience of our Lenten readings on Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.
You can listen to the podcast on our website by clicking HERE. You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast listening app (Apple, Google, Spotify, etc.)—just search for Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness