It’s Not the Size of the Grape

As I was having my lunch today, I dropped a grape on the floor. Two things quickly crossed my mind. How I love this fruit, and how valuable each grape is. The bag of grapes sat next to me and beckoned me to play with them.
I counted them, 43 in the bag. I had to do some second thinking as I did the easy math, because I could not believe the visual truths I was seeing. I asked myself, how many grapes equal 10% of this bag.
If someone walked in and asked for a grape, I would have given him a handful. Maybe 10…knowing there would still be plenty for me. If God had asked for a traditional tithe of grapes, only 4 grapes would need to be given. Can you see how little this is…?
Now, substitute pencils for grapes or plants for grapes, or nails, or balloons, whatever you substitute seems to be fine until you say, a …dollar bill…until you say... money. The joy falls out of the giving and I want to ask you why? Somehow, the word money associates fear… Somehow, now the joy of giving is gone. You have taken that joy and without a fight, let it be buried under a fear.
There are some great givers in this Parish, the building itself is a testimony to their generous pledges and giving. Think of their special joy, every Sunday, as they walk thru these doors they helped unlock. Into this beautiful space, we all share because of their personal battle, conquering their own fear associated with money.
Here I speak to those who let the fear of money overcome the joy of giving. Don’t be fooled into thinking giving is any easier for those that have more money. The size of the grape doesn’t matter, 4 grapes out of 43 still leaves plenty.
Experience the Joy…pledge, follow the leadership of the Bishop’s Committee who as a whole, increased their pledges for this upcoming year almost 20%.
If you do pledge, bless you and thank you. Work to increase the number of grapes you joyfully give, you will find you have plenty.
Remember, it’s not what St Columba needs, though our needs are great, the fact is St Columba exists to support your own personal spiritual growth. Experience the growth from the joy of giving. JB