Mark 14:8  She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

What a powerful commendation – she has done what she could.

So often I focus on what I can not do, but God only calls me to do what I can.

Make no mistake, if you read the story in Mark 14, Mary made a sacrifice in what she gave to the Lord — it was no measly after thought of a gift.  She gave her dowry to anoint the feet of Jesus.  She risked and bore ridicule from those around as she gave her gift.  It cost her, but she gave it anyway.

She did what she could with what God placed in her hands.

I do not have millions or even thousands
of dollars to give;
but I can do my part
by giving what I have.

I do not have great talents
that move and inspire large crowds,
but I dedicate the talents I have
to my Lord.

I cannot preach before multitudes,
or speak great words that cause
thousands to believe;
but each day I can share the Good News of Christ
with people that I meet.

I cannot solve all the mysteries of the world,
nor do I have the answers to all its problems –
but I know that God does.
He has given me His word –
I can study, and I can pray.

Father,
May I not be so focused on the talents that I don’t have, that I fail to use those with which You have gifted me for Your service. May I, like the poor widow who dropped two coins in the treasury, give my all.