Ever given someone the last cookie?

Sometimes it comes with a twinge of regret.

Man… I really like those cookies and could have really enjoyed having one more…

Then you notice the face of the receiver. The look in their eyes when they notice that you are giving them the last cookie.

The “Wow! Really? I can have the last cookie? You mean that you aren’t going to eat it just because you are bigger than me, paid for all of the ingredients and burned your hand on the cookie sheet just to make them?”

They take the first bite of the last cookie, close their eyes and enjoy every last morsel.

But then, if you pay close enough attention, something happens to you too.

It isn’t happening on your taste buds or in your tummy.

It’s happening in your soul.

Satisfaction.

Thankfulness.

JOY.

There really is Joy in giving. Whether it is cookies, time, expertise, money or hugs. Joy is a real possibility of giving.

May we not hold too tightly to the last cookies, to our things or to our ‘first fruits.’

May we give. And find that deep seeded JOY that oftentimes hold hands with GIVING.

KE