My Dear Anonymous,

I know what it's like
to experience unexpected generosity.

What's it like experiencing
the joy of giving expectantly?

There has to be joy in expecting nothing in return
and yet,

entrusting your gift
to actually bear fruit in someone's life.

Is this what the ancient writer meant by
"a living sacrifice"?

Because I've come to see every gift,
big or small,
as a sacrifice.

$10 a month from a young single professional.

$100 a month from a one-income couple.

$10,000 annual gift from a family.

A $2,500 chunk of change from a nameless friend like you.

Every dime.

Every gift.

A living sacrifice to God
for the work of His Kingdom.

The work of a Shepherd seeking
the Weary, Wandering and Wondering
with pastoral care and community.

I can't believe this is my day job!

My Life!

My Calling!

My Passion!

And you make it happen!

Someone asks me:

"What do I owe you for your time?"

And I get to say:

Nothing.

It's paid for.

It's covered by people who love others more than themselves,

who know and love me,

and believe in what you've experienced.

It's paid for by my friends.

Friends who pay my bills,

so I can meet you on the road,

process hard stuff over a call,

show up at the hospital,

sit in the funeral home,

walk through what it means to be married,

lead you through your vows at an altar,

then dive into the messy reality of everyday marriage
and help manage the conflicts.

They pay for the coffees.

The unreasonable hospitality.

WILCO AMs and PMs.

And that's just half of it!

Oh, yeah, Dear Anonymous,

I'm talking about you and your joy!

Your generosity becomes someone else's:

"It's paid for."

And maybe that's the joy of it.

Giving something away—

and trusting God with where it goes;

Expectantly.

So, again,

Thank You!

No really, you nameless wonder,

Thank You!

Although, Anonymous…

there is something I've been meaning to ask you.

Do you and I have a history?

Your affectionate Shepherd,

Ken