Najite and Abiye are two girls in Grade 12 in the same school. Brilliant debaters for the school, they often create intelligent games to challenge their capacities. Today, during their lunch break, they decided to test their knowledge of idioms and their interpretations. While reeling out the idioms, they decided on seemingly contradictory idioms with emphasis on seemingly. Najite came up with “Too many cooks spoil the broth” and Abiye countered with “Many hands make light work. ” Next in line was “Make hay while the sun shines” which was countered by A patient dog eats the fattest bone.” They continued with the game until Najite said “God loves a cheerful giver,” and was countered by Abiye with “A fool and his money are soon parted.”

Incidentally, the last 2 idioms are biblical verses – 2Cor 9:7 and Pro 21:22 respectively. Najite argued that there was no contradiction while Abiye insisted that there was. To break the argument, Najite decided to concentrate on the blessings of cheerful giving and shared the story of her mum’s friend – Aunty Tife. Aunty Tife had her education cut short when her father died suddenly so, she barely finished her secondary education. She married early and had four children while assisting her husband through petty trading. Her last child, the only  girl, was severely impaired with multiple challenges which made it difficult for her to continue with her trade as the child required much attention. Unfortunately, shortly after the baby was born, her husband, the breadwinner of the family passed, and she was still constrained in looking after her challenged daughter. About a year later, she lost the baby as a result of health complications and went back to trading to see her children through school. Despite her challenges and circumstances as a widowed single mother, she was always cheerful and giving. She never visited without a little gift – fruits, sweets….whatever she could afford. She was always willing to give of her time and assist with chores as well. Her eldest son got admission into the university but while in school for his second year, he lost his life as a result of medical negligence at the school clinic. Aunty Tife was devastated but her faith and reliance on God were unshaken, and she struggled to educate the remaining two boys. The children have since graduated and met with God’s favour, having well-paying jobs. She currently lives very comfortably as the children hover around her and cater to her every need. My mum is so enthused about Aunty Tife’s giving and is certain, she typifies the cheerful giver referred to in the bible. She is now so blessed but continues to bless people all the more, with her substance. The Church has decided to ordain her as an Elder, and I hope to attend the event.”

“Wow!” responded Abiye. “This is indeed some story. Very inspiring I dare say. Poor woman, she went through harrowing times but then… he who laughs last laughs best. I rejoice with her on her accomplishments.”

With that story, the duo called it a day and returned to the classroom to prepare for their next class.

Havilah opines that “God loves a cheerful giver” can be interpreted as whatever is given should be done cheerfully and not out of compulsion and that God blesses the giver. In the case of Aunty Tife, she gave sacrificially, regardless of her circumstances. “A fool and his money are soon parted” describes loss experienced as a result of foolishness, imprudent spending, greed, and the like. May we enjoy the grace to give generously and cheerfully while eschewing foolishness in spending.

Love

Havilah