I learned something this morning as I was studying the New Testament and read the story of the Widow’s mite. It’s a story I have heard many times before, but I had never considered it from her perspective. This time as I read, I thought about the bravery, it would take to walk up into this rather public area and give just two mites. Two! When “everyone else” was giving so much more.
How embarrassing. I think if I were her I maybe would have tried to justified not giving anything at all. I mean, what were two mites going to do anyway? So it was not only amazing that she would sacrifice her last few resources, but that she was willing to sacrifice when it may have brought her judgment and scorn from those around her. She was a great example of humility and looking up towards heaven instead of comparing herself to those around her. If she were too concerned about everyone else, she might have chosen a different path. But she understood what Linda K. Burton taught in April 2016: “The Savior lovingly acknowledged the widow whose contribution was only two mites because she did what she could.” (Italics added).
I remember several years ago, our bishop asked families in the ward to reach out to each other and invite other families from the ward into their homes. The bishop even suggested inviting a family over for dinner or FHE. I loved the idea, but with my “all or nothing mentality” I knew I was going to make it a big exahausting thing. Then someone in the meeting said “but what if all we are eating is hot dogs?” and he turned to her and said “now, that’s just pride”. I was a little taken aback. I mean, pride is a strong word. But, then again, I wouldn’t ever dream of inviting someone over for dinner and feeding them hot dogs without it being the big fancy 100% beef ones with a side of potato salad, impressive veggie tray, variety of sliced fruit, chips, made complete with homemade strawberry pie 😉 As I pondered it, I realized, yes, it is pride. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with wanting to provide a big complete meal, but the question really is, do we let our pride get in the way of doing things that the Lord would like us to do? Like stop us from inviting another family into our home?
This brings me to a greater application: what have we chosen NOT to do because we are too afraid that our offering is too meager? That someone else can do a better job? Have we justified not doing something because our small contribution (that might come at our great sacrifice) won’t make much of a difference anyway? Have we failed to bare our testimonies because they are simple and not eloquent? Have we refused callings because someone else could do it better? Or because it would be too hard right now and someone else who isn’t dealing with all of our trials could do it more easily? Have we ignored promptings because we assume it what we have to offer wouldn’t be accepted or good enough? What would happen if we acted only out of the love we have for the Lord and not acted out of fear of the judgement of others? Would we do something different?
So there is our call to action. To put aside our pride and to do what the Lord asks of us, whether it be big or small. The chances are that the two mites the widow offered didn’t make a significant impact, except for within her. She was stronger, more able to be taught, and more refined. She humbly gave all she had to offer, even though in reality it was so very little. But she did it out of obedience and love for the Lord. She did it because her heart was in the right place. I pray that we might all do the same, especially when we are called upon to do something that may be incredibly difficult for us.
Bruce R. McConkie, April 1975.
Shayla Shumaker is a guest writer on My Life by Gogo Goff. She is the loving mother of five, soon to be six, children and is a homemaker. She is also soon to be my sister-in-law.
~ If you liked this insight on the widow’s mite by Shayla, you might enjoy her other guest article: “When you feel like you can’t do enough.”
