The Necklace

Generosity. Giving. Jesus said that it is better to give than to receive. Every day when I think about my three little friends, my heart clogs my throat. Little Tanya, the youngest of the three in the family, has a box of possessions to her name. She has a few photos, a stuffed animal, a few letters, and some odds and ends. Her treasured, and most prized possession is her 'crystal' necklace. It's actually made from white plastic beads, but it shines in the sunlight and is envied by many. These three were dropped off into the orphanage system later in life, by their Mom, who is dying of cancer. They are all believers and have memorized Christian songs to keep them calm at night. They don't have a Bible and have recently been transfered to a new orphanage several miles from home. Not too long ago I went to give them a 'house-warming' gift of soap and candy (they only get soap once every two weeks from the caretaker for showers, then they have to give it back). As we were visiting and discussing the big transition, Natasha (the eldest) commented on how many of the children smoked and drank and ran off often. Several of the upper classmen even had 'boyfriends' who were twice if not three times their age who would come to visit. They told me that they didn't know any other Christians in the whole school (out of 350 kids) and really missed the half-way house. (The half-way house was located in their home town and they could visit their home from time to time, but the Government decided to place them in a permanent orphanage because of their mother's condition.)
I did my best to pray with them, encourage them, play with them, just love on them really. I told them that I thought God had a very special plan for their little family and that He wanted them to shine brightly for Him so that others might come to believe in Jesus.
What could I say?
Sometimes I have to step aside inside my mind as I visit these children to get a grander perspective. As I was thinking and waiting; gaining a godly perspective to encourage them, little Tanya whispered in her big sister's ear. I looked up and Natasha gave a very thoughtful nod as any leader would who had been asked permission. I thought, how amazing, the little two whole heartedly give so much authority to their big sister.
Snap!
Coming back out of my thoughts, I noticed how Tanya was taking off her necklace and handing it to me.
"Oh, no, that is yours, please I can't take it..."
It was no use. She picked me. Her prized possession was gifted to me.

I wear that necklace almost every day to remind me of those three sweet kids. If they can remain encouraged and faithful to God, He may just use them in an incredible way. I pray they are strengthened in his love and are empowered to be brave among their peers.
I also pray that I can be as giving as little Tanya.

What's my prized possession? Do I give it away so freely? I hope I don't keep the secret of salvation too close for my own enjoyment and sparkly reflection.

P.S. The kids have gone off to camp for 3 months. Both girls just recently had their boxes stolen. Their mother is very ill and the 'state' has taken away all her rights, so they are now social orphans.

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:32