My 6-year-old has recently begun to teach herself the piano using an online app. As a child of two piano teachers myself, I was curious to see just how effective this app would be. After a couple of weeks of intermittent practice, I discovered a piece of music written on a scrap of paper. 

It had the cutest treble clef scribbles, bars, a good attempt at notation, and underneath, some lyrics that expressed the heart of my little girl. It was a long way from perfection, but from her limited resources, she used what she had to bring an offering of love. 

It reminded me of the Widow’s mite. Her resources were scarce, but her offering great: “The rich have plenty; they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor. But she gave all she had…” (Mark 12:44 ICB) 

You don’t need to be a virtuoso to worship well. You can be a 6-year-old with limited understanding because Jesus isn’t interested in the size or skill of our offering but the place it comes from. I’ve been challenged by my daughter as to where my worship comes from – an overflow of what’s in my heart? Or, from a place of habit with little thought or intention behind it? From reliance on skill or experience? From the surplus time, money and energy I have? 

How often do we give what we do not need? Writing her song would have taken my daughter extensive time, energy, thought and perseverance. It was a big effort, and it was costly.  

Let’s not give Jesus our leftovers. 

It doesn’t matter where your starting point is, or what your circumstances are, there’s a worship and offering opportunity inside every one of us.  Looking at my girl’s song I was reminded that it doesn’t take much to worship. All it takes is willingness and bravery to offer what little we have. 

Don’t let your limitations limit your praise. Jesus sees your heart, give from there.