Summary: "Do you think Barney will be okay?" Ryan asked his Mom anxiously. "I think so, but we'll just have to wait and see," Mom replied. Ryan's dog had broken his leg, and the veterinarian was setting it in a cast. "I'll help pay for the vet bill," offered Ryan. "You can use all the money I've saved in my piggy bank." Mom smiled. "Thank you, Son. You can contribute a little if you want to, but we'll take care of most of the bill," she said. "I appreciate your willing heart, though." Mom was thoughtful as she put an arm across Ryan's shoulders. "Remember when we talked a few days ago about giving money for God's work?" she asked. "Yeah. Mr. Pete had just paid me for shoveling his walks, and you reminded me to keep some of the money for the church offering," said Ryan with a frown. "I did, but then it didn't leave enough for a game I wanted to get that day. Now I'm glad I didn't get it. I'd rather use the money to help Barney." Mom nodded. "It was a little hard for you to be a cheerful giver right then, but just now you didn't hesitate to offer your whole savings to pay the vet." Ryan swallowed. "No, but Barney is . . . I'd give anything to make him all right, Mom. Besides, I know things have been pretty tough on the farm lately and the vet bill will be expensive." Mom leaned over to give Ryan a hug. "Your willingness to help pay the bill shows that you love Barney--and Dad and me, too," she said. "When we really love someone, we're glad to give. That's how God wants us to give to Him--not because we have to, but because we love Him so much . . . especially when we remember all He's done for us." Ryan nodded. "Sometimes it's hard, though," he said. "That's true," replied Mom. "But it will help if you think often of all He's done for you." Just then, the vet came into the waiting room. "Your dog will be fine," he said with a smile. "It was a clean break, and he'll heal in no time." "All right!" exclaimed Ryan. "God heard our prayers, didn't He, Mom?" Smiling, Mom nodded. How About You? When you receive money, do you give part of it to God? Did you know He wants you to do that? But He wants you to do it willingly. It's easy to say you love God, but it's harder to prove it by giving cheerfully! If you know you haven't done that but would like to, stop and think about all God has done for you. Ask Him to help you be a cheerful giver. Today's Key Verse: God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Today's Key Thought: Give cheerfully
