Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

This morning we were reading the tenth chapter of The First Christians by Marigold Hunt, and we came across Paul's words to the elders of the church in Ephesus: "Remember how our Lord said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Nastia immediately responded, "Well, that sure is true."

I had to smile at the appropriateness of her comment. Nastia is my child with a heart of gold. Giving seems to come as easily as breathing for her. She is the one who chooses her cookie based on what she thinks the others will want, always leaving the best on the plate. She's the first to surrender her turn at something for a younger (or older) sibling, even when it's something she's been anticipating with joy. When someone's birthday arrives, she doesn't just search her closet for a worn, unwanted toy to offer as a gift---she wraps up her favorite horse instead. While it's true that she doesn't seem too attached to possessions, it's more than that. She simply delights in making other people happy.

If only we could all understand our Lord's words as my sweet Nastia does.