Daily Guideposts - 20 Day SampleSample

Hope and Joys and Toys

But what about Star Wars toys?” Joey asked.

“No, Joey, people need food and water and blankets, not toys,” I responded quickly and walked to the front of the store, anxious to get my fussy son out of the store and to the relief station to donate supplies to those who had lost everything in the massive wildfires that destroyed more than fifteen hundred homes in Austin, Texas.

Joey was persistent. “But, Mommy, there are little boys who lost all of their Star Wars toys. We have to help them.”I hesitated. People desperately needed food and water and blankets, but would it really hurt to throw in a few Star Wars toys as well?

We went to the toy section, where Joey carefully selected several toys.

At the relief station, I sheepishly watched as Joey handed the workers a Yoda figurine, a light saber and a small spaceship.

Later that night, I watched a news clip of supplies being handed out to children in temporary shelters—and watched their faces light up joyfully when they were handed small toys, stuffed animals and books.

As God’s people, we are called to show God’s love to the poor, the oppressed, the orphaned and the widowed—but showing God’s love doesn’t simply mean providing for their physical needs. It means much more. It means showing them the hope and joy we have in Christ.

As Joey so wisely pointed out, for a child who has lost everything, joy may come in the form of a new Star Wars toy.

Lord, give me opportunities to share Your love with those in need in the way they need it most. Amen.

—Erin MacPherson
Digging Deeper: Matt. 10:5–8