The Money Jar - Sandra M. Hart

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

When I was nine, my dad gave each of his children a money jar for our weekly allowance. The clear jar, placed on top of the kitchen cabinet, allowed us to watch our money grow.

Money was scarce in our home. Dad could only afford to give us fifty cents a week, and we had to earn it.

My sisters and brother generally spent all their money on candy. I tried to save my money for bigger items. Slowly my dollars accumulated—two, three, five. I never recall having more than five singles in that jar at a time.

Times grew difficult financially for my parents until our allowances were phased out—gone. Once, Dad asked if he could borrow two dollars to tide him over until payday. He promised to return it after payday, a promise he kept.

The next week he borrowed money to make it until payday again. I agreed, but I began to worry. I was old enough to see the strain of worry on my parents’ faces. I knew that my friends had more than us, but were we poor?

Dad continued the pattern, but my attitude about it gradually changed. After a time, I was glad that I hadn’t used my allowance to buy candy. If I had, it wouldn’t have been there when Dad needed it.

Today, I think about the lessons of that money jar. I believe my parents’ goal was to teach us about saving. What I learned was far more valuable.

I learned how to give and I watched my parents give financially to others, far beyond their means. God always provided for us, always shook together the kindness, the need and the giving to turn out abundance. There wasn’t much, but the Father never let us go without.

Sure, our money jars taught us to save, taught us generosity and willingness to give, but more so, they showed us the way God fully provides for His children. The measure you use will be measured to you.

Sandra M. Hart enjoys writing historical fiction novels set in the Midwest. She is inspired by the people around her. Those labeled as “everyday people” are the ones who inspire her most. She hopes to have a nonfiction book published about a couple of these ordinary heroes who fill our lives with hope. .