The First Tomatoes

"I don't see why I always have to put some of the money I earn in the church collection," grumbled Amos. He fumbled in his pocket and reluctantly took out some coins, which he set aside. "I only have a few dollars left now!" "Amos," Mom began, but before she could continue, the patio door jerked open and Vivienne dashed into the room. "Mom!" exclaimed Vivienne, holding her hands behind her back. "Guess what?" "We give up," said Amos. "What?"Vivienne flashed a triumphant grin. "Look!" She held out both hands. In each one lay a big red tomato. "My very first tomatoes are ripe already!" She looked at her brother and laughed. "I told you they were getting ripe fast, and you said they wouldn't be ready for a long time yet. But here they are!""Wonderful!" said Mom. "They look delicious. Should we have them for dinner tonight?" "That would be great, but…" Vivienne paused. "It's just that Grandma gave me those plants, and Grandpa helped me plant them and taught me how to take care of them. I think I want to give these first two tomatoes to them." "Oh, I like that idea," said Mom. "Should we bring them to Grandma and Grandpa's house now so they can have them for dinner?" Vivienne nodded. "Yeah. I want them to be the first to taste my tomatoes!"After Vivienne went to find a bowl for her tomatoes, Mom turned to Amos. "You know, Amos, today Vivienne has been a good example of the way we're supposed to give to God. Vivienne didn't have to give her first tomatoes to Grandma and Grandpa--she wanted to offer them as a gift because she's thankful for what they did for her. That's how God wants us to give to Him--cheerfully and with thanks for all He's done for us.""Oh," Amos murmured. "I guess the money and the things we have come from God in the first place, huh?"Mom nodded. "He's provided us with everything we own, and more importantly, He's given us eternal life through His Son, Jesus. Nothing we can buy compares to the joy and peace we have in Him."Amos took a few more coins from his pocket. "I want to put these in the collection plate too." -Tanya Ferdinandusz