Just turned five, and Arianna’s beautifully soft, dark natural curls cascade down her back. Her mom has allowed Arianna’s hair to grow, trimming it only as necessary. Arianna’s smile and eyes match the beauty of her hair, but more importantly, she has a heart that already is warm and sensitive toward the needs of others, and it was her heart that decided she wanted to cut her hair. She was captured by the pictures of young girls whose heads were bald from disease or cancer treatment that causes hair loss. Arianna saw other girls who had been given the gift of naturally fitted hairpieces – a gift that gives greater self-esteem and confidence as well. There was no coercion or manipulating that preceded Arianna’s choice. She simply wanted to give, because she knew she could, and she knew that in her giving she could make a difference.

 

What a challenge for us as adult women! How often do we withhold when we are capable of giving? How often do we think little of the needs of others when what we could do could make a difference? Sometimes all we need to give is a hug, or the assurance of prayers being spoken. Sometimes another needs the quiet companionship of one who has walked where she is walking now. Just to know that someone cares. Just to know that someone understands. A gift of acceptance for the one who is different from you in some way, or who struggles with godly choices – there is incredible relational power in such a gift! And relationship opens the door for spiritual impact. Gifts of time, of listening, of looking behind what was just "dumped" in frustration, and seeing, really seeing, one whom God has created, incapacitated by demands or the unfairness of life. Gifts that lighten the load for one of God’s weary kids. And, yes, sometimes we need to open our wallets, pick up extra groceries, buy an extra ticket, or pay a bill that doesn’t even have our name on it. Why?? Simply because we want to give, we know we can, and we know that in our giving, we can make a difference.

 

An old hymn captures the challenge for us, just as Arianna does. Out in the highways and byways of life, many are weary and sad. Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, making the sorrowing glad. Give as twas given to you in your need; love as the Master loved you. Be to the helpless a helper indeed, unto your mission be true. The refrain of this compelling song becomes a prayer. Make me a blessing, make me a blessing. Out of my life, may Jesus shine. Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray. Make me a blessing to someone today.