She Hath Done What She Could

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  In common, everyday language, my mother taught me to "Do the best you can with what you have." This has been a reoccurring spiritual theme for me these last few years. My title is part of the verse in Mark 14:8; but the theme runs through much of scripture. It speaks of faithfulness and good stewardship.
  
  If, figuratively speaking, we only have "two mites", as the widow in Mark 12:42, we still have opportunity to "cast in all" that we have. Whether we have been given five, two or only one "talent", we can still hear our Lord say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." ( Matthew 25:14-30) This applies to every area of our lives: health, finances, time, energy, any and all resources. We are without excuse, no matter how limited our strength or resources may be, no matter what our station in life. God gives to all the ability and opportunity to give back to others (to Him) what He has given to us. That may be as simple as a kind word or a smile, or as complicated as feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, taking in a stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned. ( Matthew 25:35-40) Even a "cup of cold water" in His service is deemed worthy of reward in His sight. (Matthew 10:42)
  As an older mother of 8, with a handicapped child, I am sometimes tempted to feel as if there's not much I can do. Perhaps, compared to others, my resources and energy seem terribly limited. But, I have found that God has answered my prayer to "do what I can" in various ways, throughout my days. Personally, I believe God is pleased when I use a leftover, partial glass of water to water a houseplant, rather than pour it down the drain. I think He is as pleased as I am when I use a piece of worn-out furniture, clothing or dish for a purpose other than for which it was intended in order to meet a need, rather than buying something new. He has also blessed me with some special opportunities: to open a second-hand shed for sharing; to use "down time" to crochet rugs from old sheets and rags; and, to use my love for writing to encourage others.
  
  There are countless ways, both spiritual and practical, that we can "Do...as unto the Lord". These verses in 1 Peter 4:10-11 summarize this perfectly: "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
  
  "She hath done what she could" doesn't mean, "Oh, well, if that's the best she could do..." as though it was second rate. It means "She gave her best, gave her all, held nothing back." I want that verse carved on my gravestone! Help me, God. Amen
  
  

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