All In

Learning from a widow’s faith to show up fully with what we’ve been given.

Last December, I decided to read the entire Bible in one year—cover to cover. While that might not seem like a huge deal, for me it was. I love reading, but I have to admit that large portions of the Bible can feel a bit boring. Thankfully, with the help of a great app, I got started on my goal.

This app has made it easy to stay consistent, and now I have just 54 days left until I achieve this major milestone—even the “boring” parts are getting read! Throughout the year, I’ve gained fresh insights from familiar passages, like today’s reading in Luke 21:1-4. In this story, Jesus observes rich men giving their offerings at the treasury, but he is drawn to a poor widow who gives everything she has.

Jesus not only notices her, but he uses this as a powerful teaching moment. It struck me how this woman, without a husband or wealth, didn’t let her circumstances stop her from giving all she had. Society looked down on her for her lack of status and resources, much like we sometimes judge others today.

It made me reflect: do we give our all?

I once heard time described in a way that really shifts perspective. Imagine receiving $86,400 deposited into your account every day—how would you spend it? That number represents the seconds we get daily. If we weren’t stingy with our time and attitude, and gave our all, not only might we find more energy and happiness, but we could also support others who might not have the capacity to give their all. In turn, they might someday give back when they’re able.

Maybe it’s not about whether we can give “everything” like the widow, but whether we’re willing to show up with a generous heart in the moments we’re given. The truth is, we all fall short sometimes — I certainly do.

Looking back on my week—what a week it was—my honest answer is no, I fell short.  There were moments where I held back, even with small things like kindness or maintaining a good attitude.

But every day we’re handed 86,400 new seconds, a fresh chance to spend them wisely.

So today I’m asking myself (and maybe you too):
Where can I give more freely of my time, my kindness, or my patience?

Who in my life needs a bit of my “all” today?

My prayer is that I don’t waste the gift of this day by being stingy with love, attention, or gratitude. And maybe, just maybe, if we each give a little more of ourselves, we’ll reflect the same generosity that Jesus saw in that widow — not in the size of our gift, but in the posture of our hearts.