Who is getting your leftovers?
If your family is anything like mine, you are in OPERATION LEFTOVERS.
I love leftovers. I've always told Katy (my wife of 12 years) that when we cook at home, we need to make twice as much as we need. Because you never know if you'll have the energy needed to cook the next day. I think that single request might be the reason I've gained so much weight since we got married...
Leftovers for dinner are great (in my opinion). But leftovers in other areas of our lives can be detrimental to our health and relationships.
Who is getting your leftovers these days?
GOD.
Rather than give Him my best, I have found myself giving Him what's left.
"When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift." - Genesis 4:2-5 NLT
The scripture says nothing of the quality of Cain's offering, while Abel gave his best. May the same be said of us and our devotion to God. First fruits rather than leftovers.
SPOUSE.
When Katy gets my leftovers, I start treating her like a roommate rather than a soulmate. The beeline for the couch after a long hard day, scrolling on my phone till dinner is ready. I know how it makes her feel, and even still the temptation to check out when I get home can be strong.
Giving her my best is texting her to see how her day is going, picking up the kids, taking her on dates, listening well, holding her hand, and last but certainly not least: remembering to pick up items she bought on the LH garage sale facebook page before I come home.
KIDS.
I think Ben and Maren could survive on white grape juice and white castle chicken rings alone for days. But more than anything on the planet, they are hungry for my attention. They need to see their father's gaze. They need to be tossed on the couch while wrapped in an oversized tortilla-shaped blanket and hear me shout their names as I smush them. They need to know I'm there for them and that I care for them.
COMMUNITY.
The places we live impact our lives in so many ways: they determine who we know, what resources and opportunities we have access to, the quality of schools our kids go to, our sense of security and belonging, and even how long we live. Neighbors truly make or break a neighborhood. Neighbors who are willing to give each other their best create communities where people and families can thrive.
"And who is my neighbor?” - Pharisee talking to Jesus in Luke 10:29
If we have to ask who our neighbor is, we might already be giving them our leftovers.
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I'm the foremost of sinners when it comes to giving others my leftovers. I've literally fallen asleep while mentoring people. I've stayed at work late and neglected my family. I've withheld what was in my capacity. I've prioritized myself and my comfort.
If there's one thing I need in 2024, it's to have more of an awareness of the One who gave me His best. Our Father gave us His best when He gave us Jesus. His best for our very worst. And His best can transform and multiply all we are and all we have left for those around us.
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Imagine a single mom who is giving her best for her son. She can't give him everything, but she gives him her everything. Nothing is being leftover. Death, divorce, desertion...whatever kept dad out of the picture has left her with a mixture of despair and determination. She won't fail this boy. She wants him to have what she never had, and feels the weight of that dream crushing her most days.
Now imagine what it's like for her when she finds out about Forerunner. Can you see the look on her face? Her surprise when she realizes there is a supportive community of people like you who are willing to give of their first fruits to support her and help her son fulfill his god-given potential. Her tears when she picks him up, all tired and sweaty, from an after school program where he's growing in relationships, education, and identity. Her smile across the table when her son gets matched with a godly mentor willing to give of his time, talent, and treasure to help him become a godly man one day. Her laughter at a ladies night where she's building new friendships and growing in her personal faith with other moms.
These are the kinds of things that happen when God shows us His love. We can't help but freely give it back to those we love and to our neighbors. Because of Him, those around us will get what's flowing over. Not our leftovers.
May we find times in 2024 to let God pour afresh into us the love He gave.
Thanks for reading! Every mentor match, after school program, and family ministry event would not possible without the support of people like you. God is a father to the fatherless through His promises and His people. He hears their cry. What happens at Forerunner every day is an answer to prayer for moms and boys in need.
If God is leading you, make your gift before years-end to champion a mom and her boy in our community at forerunnermentoring.com.
Relationships change lives,
Stephen Murray