Hello ,

 

Robert Morin, a cataloguer at the University of New Hampshire's library, "lived a simple, frugal life," complete with TV dinners and a car that was more than 20 years old. He read plenty of books—thousands of them over the course of his life—and "loved to talk to students," according to UNH spokeswoman Erika Mantz. Morin passed away in March 2015, but the school announced in 2016 that upon his death, he had left his estate to the school: an estate totaling $4 million. While reading and going about his work, Morin had "quietly amassed" a fortune.

The extraordinary gift was a first for the school: "In our history, I'm not aware of anything like this," said Mantz. Morin's wish was that UNH would spend his money to fulfill whatever needs they had; he apparently told his financial adviser that the school would "figure out what to do with it."

The humble, peaceful way in which Morin went about his life—all the while storing up massive wealth—is reminiscent of Jesus' message on how believers should go about their own lives. Instead of "announcing" our good deeds and acts of charity "with trumpets…to be honored by others" (Matt. 6:2), we are to be a little more secretive about it: "when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (6:3-4).

God-followers don't need recognition for offerings that they have given to help those in need. It is enough to know that we are only sharing the gifts that God has so richly bestowed on each of us. What a blessing it is to be part of God's kingdom. 

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word