I’ve been thinking about the phrase, “give and take”. I know you are familiar with this phrase. I have had many “givers” in my life and I have also experienced many “takers”. In my experience, the takers have been in my life until they’ve taken more than they should from me. I try to always find the best in someone and I think takers can smell that character trait a mile away. Yep…they take and take and then take some more. I think takers take advantage and don’t seem to care that they are doing so. Maybe they are unaware of what they are even doing. Takers don’t have to be people. Takers can be cancer, diabetes, mental illness, chronic health challenges, and recently COVID.
Givers that have touched my life are the complete opposite. They give and give and give some more. They give for the sheer joy and/or they give because that is just who they are. Now, I’m not necessarily talking about giving money or tangible items. 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8 “But remember this – if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much.”
One of my most favorite givers was Charlie Young. In the short time that I was honored to know him, spend time with him, and have conversations with him I was truly blessed. I often refer to Charlie as my 91-year-old best friend. I told him recently that I was so thankful that God decided that I needed a 91-year-old best friend. During the time that I have known Charlie, he has given me two tangible items. One day after small group Bible Study he quietly handed me Og Mandino’s book, The Choice. He said, “Here you go, Kid. I found this and thought you might appreciate it. If you don’t, just throw it in the trash.” HA! Well, I certainly did not throw it in the trash! I read it. It was a powerful read and I am thankful Charlie was so insightful that he shared it and gave it to me. I will forever cherish it. The other tangible item that Charlie gave me was a heart shaped Valentine box filled with Fannie Mae chocolates. In fact, he brought these Valentine chocolates to our Wednesday small group at the Original Pancake House and share them with everyone. Sweet, thoughtful, giving Charlie…
Tangible items are certainly appreciated, but the best things that Charlie gave me were probably things he doesn’t even realize that he gave. These things are so wonderful, gracious, meaningful, generous and things I will reflect on when I think about Charlie. I wish I would have told him. Big fail on my part. Why do we always think there will be a right time? Friends, the time is now because now is the right time. I recently read that the happiest people in life are the givers not the takers. A statement proven true by my 91-year-old happy best friend, Charlie. We all know Charlie was the poster child for optimism.
So you ask, “Denise, what did he give you?” He gave me a role model in optimism. He gave me a great smile every single time I saw him. He gave me hope for a life of longevity filled with desire to continue to be in The Word and seek answers to questions that only a small group of wonderful faith filled people around a table at The Original Pancake House can try to answer and discuss. He gave me a glimpse of a wonderful sense of humor and how it can lighten the heavy conversations – “Well, we’re all going to hell.” He gave me words of wisdom that challenged me and made me think deeply. He gave me visions of common gracious gentleman courtesy every time he opened a door for me and held Mary’s hand when they walked to their vehicle. He gave me an appreciation for short prayers. He gave me nicknames – Kid and Sweetheart were just a few. He gave me friendship. He gave himself selflessly to our country for you and me. I could go and on because you see…Charlie was a life giver. The above-mentioned things are not things at all. Charlie was so genuine and humble that I’m sure he didn’t even realize all the impact he was having on my life by just being himself and opening his arms and his heart to knowing me and caring about me. I am forever changed by this friendship and he will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you, Jesus, for seeing who I needed in my life and putting him in it.
As Acts 20:35 states, “The Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.” No doubt Jesus is so very pleased with Charlie, the life giver. Is anyone really surprised by God’s perfect plan for the life giver, Charlie, to be in heaven with his sweet Mary on the day designated to reflect and GIVE thanks? I hope that I will reflect often on all the “things” Charlie gave me and strive to be a life giver. He made it look so easy…because for him, it was sheer joy and just who he was. May we all find great peace and comfort in knowing that Mary and Charlie are together, holding hands, in the loving arms of the Greatest Life Giver of all, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dearest Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of today. Thank you, Father, for the gracious givers in our lives and help us pay close attention to a giver’s actions. For the actions of a giver speak volumes and we have much we can learn from them. We pray this in your beautiful name. Amen
Editorial Note: Due to COVID restrictions, Charlie & Mary Young’s Memorial Service yesterday was limited to less than 10 people. If you’d like to view the service, here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULE8lc9BX7Q&feature=youtu.be
Denise Ludwig
12/15/2020