It’s easy to be generous when a cup of lemonade costs only 25 cents. Some of us might even give a whole dollar if the children are raising money for a worthy cause. Or maybe $5! Well … how about $200?

Sheriff Deputy Zach Ropos, new in law enforcement, was trained to pull over at every lemonade stand in an effort to improve community relations. As told to Good Morning America, he recently met Gabrielle, who was doing some fund raising. “She hands me a glass, I hand her a few bucks. I asked her what she wanted to do with the money … she said she’d get an iPad, to help with school and play games.” Hoping he could resurrect an old iPad, Ropos went home that night to get it in running condition. Once he realized his old tablet was too outdated, Ropos looked for and found a store to help with the cost of a new one.

Unequal exchange

The next day the officer met up with the little girl and her mother. Apparently Gabrielle had raised only a few dollars. She told Ropos that her mother’s car needed gas, so she gave her hard-earned money to her mom to fill the tank. “When she told me she gave the money to her mom … that’s when I almost started crying because of how great of a kid she really was,” Ropos said. Deputy Ropos handed over the new tablet, and Gabrielle just couldn’t stop hugging her new friend.

The best gift

Attitude is contagious — and so is giving. When we receive something truly wonderful and unexpected, often we are overwhelmed with a desire to share it or create that type of opportunity for someone else. God’s mercy and grace are new every morning, gifts beyond measure. Let us remember these gifts and share out of all that we have!

Question of the day: When has it been difficult for you to give something away?
Focal Scriptures: Galatians 5:16-17, 22-25; Luke 21:1-4; John 15:12-13

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.