It All Adds Up

​by Pam Morton

After a long drive from Missouri, we made it back to Michigan where cool temps and hot cider awaited us. I was cleaning out my purse from a pile of receipts and came across an envelope I had received while visiting a church. We were visiting a larger group there and had finished speaking when a distinguished man in his fifties approached us. He smiled and said, "This isn't much, but use it for your work." I thanked him and put the envelope in my purse.

​As I was now sorting through the items, I came across the envelope and opened it. Inside were 2 quarters, 3 dimes, 2 nickels and 7 pennies. Yes, you added correctly...exactly 97 cents. At first I thought, "What gives?" Then I thought, "Is this a joke?" Finally, I thought, "What if he gave all he had?" 

I don't know the answer to my questions. Only he and God know his motivation. Still, I took the change and thanked the Lord for it. It's pretty symbolic of my life. Some days I can give extravagantly...other days I don't have much to give...maybe even only 97 cents worth.

I'm grateful that God doesn't scoff at me and say, "Is that all you've got?!" But rather He's the One Who can call something out of nothing and take humble efforts, making them meaningful for His purposes.

​So, whether in vastly sums or meager offerings, I offer to Jesus my life daily with what I have. So, if you find yourself with 2 nickels worth of life in you, take a deep breath. It’s okay. Jesus sees you and can make much out of little. Together, it all adds up for His Kingdom. 

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Pam, her husband, John, and two teenaged daughters packed up their fulfilling, understood Midwestern lives and moved to Cairo, Egypt in 2008. Her dream of serving overseas became a shocking reality of daily cultural encounters that often left her wondering if she’d actually landed on Mars instead! From Cairo to Khartoum to Upper Egypt to Israel, Pam learned, lived, and thrived in a sandy, sweaty, hospitable land. Pam and John's new assignment provides support to MKs and their families through TCK International Academy and parent mentoring. Pam loves to connect with her church family to encourage, laugh and inspire. (www.johnandpammorton.com). Pam and John have two married daughters and are smitten with their three granddaughters.

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