In the famous scene at the end of Schindler’s List, Oskar Schindler looks at his remaining possessions and helplessly reflects on lost opportunities. His anguish is palpable as this strong man’s heart begins to break. He didn’t boast about the hundreds that were spared in his factory, but mourned for those that didn’t get to see the light of another day.

Scene from Schindler’s List after the war finally ended in Germany.

As each 24 hour day passes by we are given opportunities all around us, a neighbor who is hurting, a friend that is sick, a stranger who needs some food, and yet if we are not intentionally seeking to love those inside and outside our four walls, we will miss out.

It is easy to fall into the trap of marking things off a check list as though our desire in life is to do “enough” to feel good about things, rather than be prepared with open arms to give all we can to each opportunity God has placed in our path.

When our heart is set on giving because of requirement rather than desire we will be trudging through life just trying to meet the bare minimum, but when we are giving our all, our heart is full.

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:62

There is a parable in Luke 10 about the good Samaritan. This familiar story addresses a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and got robbed. Laying there half dead, a Priest and a Levite passed by him. For whatever the reason they felt their tasks were too consuming to involve themselves with this dying man. Finally, a Samaritan passed by, bandaged his wounds and sent him to an inn to be cared for. Jesus replies:

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:36-37

Life is short, passing by like a thief in the night. At the end of our life we aren’t going to be complaining about giving too much. Live with purpose, a heart filled with joy, serving others with love and devotion. Instead of doing the bare minimum let your heart reflect gratitude, striving to do all you can for the glory of God.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would love that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me.

Edna Bombeck