Fruitful Lands of Crops - Hannah Allen

I had a genius parenting idea. I thought that if I bought two money boxes, one for each of my children, it would help them to learn the value of money. I also bought a third and explained all about why we give and how important it is, telling them that the third money box is for any money they wish to give to others.

They both seemed really on board with the idea of giving (and definitely on board with the idea of getting) so when I handed them each five £1 coins, I held my breath in hopeful anticipation of the beautiful act of kindness I was about to witness as they chose where to place their coins. It took less than three seconds. Every last coin went straight to the bottom of their own money boxes. (Remember folks - the key to not being disappointed by your children is low expectations!)

A few days before this, I'd been drawn in by Psalm 105. It is a praiseful account of all the ways in which God blessed His people in bringing them out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land. It says, "Fruitful lands of crops that hadn't planted were now theirs." (v44 TPT) I'd been struck when I first read that at how incredible it is that we are so often blessed with what we did not plant. (How often do I not even realise this?) God loves to bless us! And likewise, I love to bless my children.

When I gently drew their attention to how neither of them had chosen to use their money to bless others, one of them suggested, "That's OK, Mummy! You can just fill up that box with your own money!"

"I'd love to," I replied, "but I gave all my spare money to you." They still didn't care! And what's more, in their excitement, they hadnt even thanked me for the money. But I hope that as they mature, they will recognise both that with what they are blessed, they should use to bless others, and that the blessings they receive aren't free - they are paid for by someone who loves them endlessly.

Two days later, every penny had been spent on a wild shopping spree at Poundland! They're far too young to realise that the fruits of that trip (made exclusively of plastic or sugar) were from crops they hadn't planted. And all too often, I forget that too when it comes to how God has blessed me. When I grumble, envy or fail to show gratitude, I'm totally overlooking the fact that the blessings I've been given were not earnt by me. And when I enjoy the fruits of crops I did not plant, I should thank the One who raised them and ask Him who else should be blessed by the gifts He's given to me.

If you have one more moment to spare, listen to 'Million Little Miracles' by Elevation Worship. Pray as they pray: "I hope I never get over what you've done."