^{42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.}

Mark 12:42-43

2020 has been a year filled with no shortage of change.

This includes our shortage of change.

Unless you own a laundromat or a casino, it might have escaped your notice, but there are not enough coins circulating these days. The pandemic hit, and people stayed home, and you and I stopped putting in our two cents worth, so to speak.

It’s not a shortage, exactly, says the Fed. There are enough quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies out there–but nobody’s using them. They sit on night stands, in jeans pockets, buried in couch cushions. It’s not a shortage problem, it’s a circulation problem.

So, who is to fix this minor calamity? We are, apparently. The sooner we put our jingly-type money back out there in the world, the better. We need to emulate the widow in today’s scripture from Mark. She put in two coins, and helped get things circulating. Not just the treasury, but the Kingdom.

Call it a pair-a-dime shift.

Because she made it a priority to use her money, what little she had, rather than sit on it, she was investing in something of greater value. Her chief goal was helping to circulate the Kingdom of Heaven. As small a contribution and unlikely position she was in, she was committed to changing the world.

My heart is warmed to hear reports of churches whose members have been so faithful in their giving during these months of madness. Some churches have fared better than others, but our work continues, even during this challenge. You and I are part of the Body of Christ. That means we’re invested.

Remember, this is not a Kingdom shortage problem–there’s an infinite supply of Love to go around. This is a circulation problem–where conditions could threaten to keep our discipleship lost in our car cupholders, or abandoned in the laundry.

If you’ve got a roll of quarters sitting around, there are lots of businesses who would be thrilled to buy them from you. If you can pay for your next Taco Bell burrito down to the penny, I’m sure they’ll love you for it.

Likewise, if you’ve got spiritual gifts, don’t hold back! Time to get your blood–and your faith–circulating. If you’re not sure what to do, write down a couple of your best options, and then…

flip a coin.

Have a great week,

Mitch