SMARTIES
TO SHARE

Topics: Childlike Faith; Children; Contentment; Example; Friendship; Generosity; Giving; Kindness; Sharing; Stewardship; Tithing

References: Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 11:24–25; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8

You remember Smarties, a row of multicolored, chalklike, bite-size candies wrapped in clear plastic, about ten to twelve pieces in a pack? They are perfect for sharing.

I am not a huge fan of Smarties, but when I saw little Dustin come into church with a fresh roll, I just had to ask for one. Dustin peeled out a piece and handed it over with a smile. From that day on, for the next two years, every time Dustin got a pack of Smarties, he took out the first one and set it aside for me. Every Sunday morning before the worship service, Dustin would track me down at church and offer me a Smarty.

Sometimes Dustin would open a pack of Smarties during the week, but he would still save me the first piece. By the time Sunday came, the Smarty was a little mangy and furry with lint, but he never forgot to bring it for me. I would thank him and put the candy in my pocket so I could “enjoy it later.”

Sharing Smarties was a kind of Communion for Dustin and me. Jesus was present as we shared a conversation and candy.

Dustin’s mother viewed this ritual as a kind of tithing; out of ten pieces in a pack, Dustin gave the first tenth to his pastor. What I saw was a little boy who loved to share and who understood the power of generosity. Since that time, I have asked myself many times, “How am I doing with my Smarties?”

—Kevin G. Harney, Seismic Shifts (Zondervan, 2005)