My family asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Most people would enjoy hearing that question, but for some reason I did not. A stress came over me around the need to think of things I would want for my birthday.

Why would I not enjoy hearing this question?

How could there not be things I want?

As I tried to come up with things I might want for my birthday, I realized how silly I was being. I have everything I need, and apparently I have everything I want. Why should I be asking for things I might want, when there are many people in our area who NEED things.

What is a birthday present intended to do?

I believe it is to bring joy to someone. It is an opportunity to show someone you care about them.

If I were to receive some gifts I might want, it might bring me joy. If I were to receive gifts for others who need them; I know that will give me joy. A joy which comes from a different place; a joy which is from God, knowing that His love is pouring out onto others. Not only will those gifts bring me joy, but will bring joy to people in need.

I thought about how my family would respond to this idea. I pray that as a God loving family, they would accept it with open arms, but there is a joy that one gets knowing that someone will use a gift intended for them. I hope that this joy will be replaced with one much more organic by knowing that their gift will be better used by someone who needs it.

We are called to share the love of God with others. This is how God has told me to be a part of His kingdom.

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8

When Jesus sent the twelve disciples, part of his charge was to freely give. Because God has showered us with all that we have, we are called to heal the world with our gifts. Just as Jesus asked his disciples to join him on this mission, I am asking you to join the same mission.

I learned about this organization in Toledo from my church, and I saved the link to them for a rainy day. Here is some information about their organization. This is an excerpt from their website:

“The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Metro Toledo seeks to empower families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, while providing mission opportunities for individuals and religious communities.”

In 2006 . . .

This organization does not just feed the homeless, they secure housing for people, they allow people to gain education, and they build a community.

If you would like to join me in supporting those in need, then buy me a birthday present. My birthday list this year is as follows:

Or you can support them via their One Child, One Night program.

My birthday is April 23.