What's Got Your Goat?

I take an annual trip to Kenya with a medical mission team. We assist a community known as Bethlehem Home -- truly, the poorest of the poor. Because AIDS has wiped out a large portion of the middle generation in Kenya, many children are without parents, and many elders are without adult children to care for them.  This is the case with the elders and orphans of Bethlehem Home.  One man in the community sees to it that the elders and orphans get at least one meal a day.  Given the alternating periods of drought and flooding, it's a tough goal to meet on a daily basis. Still, God faithfully provides.

On our last Sunday with them, the community shares a fine gourmet meal with us -- roasted goat.  Now, this might not measure up to your foie gras, but for them, this is major.  More often than not, meat is not a part of their diet.  Yet, when we're departing, they share it with us in love.

David had to encourage his men to do some sharing in I Samuel 30:23.

But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given us. 

He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us.  

Interesting how those with nothing often are more likely to give of their lack than those who have plenty.  It's easy for us to point an accusing finger, but when we do so, we have three pointing back at us.  Ever been selfish with your time? Too busy to encourage someone? Too busy to listen to someone who just needs to talk?  Take what you have (talents, time, skill sets, knowledge), and share it with someone else...invest it in someone else.  Pay it forward, and watch what God can do with it.

When we accept that final meal from our dear friends, we're receiving much more than something to fill our bellies.  We're reminded of how faithful God is to provide for them, what true love is, how blessed we are, the value of true friendship, and the list goes on.  

What can you share today? What are you grasping hold of so selfishly? What's got your goat? Why aren't you giving it away?