Many a rainy New Jersey day was spent playing Monopoly as a kid. When
candy bars were a nickel, and a peek at Betty and Veronica was 12 cents, playing
for big money was a big thing to us. We were budding young land owners and land
lords, even if we didn’t know what either meant. We were out to make all the
money we could and beat the other guys. From 2-4 of us would play, and as we
went would make up new rules to gather wealth. Free parking, that space on the
board that meant exactly that, where nothing happened, we changed. We turned it
into an early casino before Atlantic City, starting with $100 in the middle, for
every fine paid, it went into the Free Parking fund instead of to the bank.
From $10 poor tax, to $200 big fines, it all went there, and could grow into big
bucks. And the next lucky guy to land there, got it all, tax free. A huge
windfall, before we used the word to describe anything but the willow that fell
in our back yard during a storm, it was free money. And the enterprising ones
would add hotels, pay off the mortgages, and soon was on the way to winning it
all. Free parking was more than a rest stop between rival owned properties and
paying rent, we turned it into a spot to be desired, with a reward tied to it.
Many a game turned after one of us stopped there, not in the rules of Monopoly,
but in our neighborhood, and in many like it, free parking helped pay the
rent.
Parking has become a problem in this US of A, as from $8 for 15 minutes in
San Francisco, and no multiple bikes parked, to parking meters everywhere that
now take credit cards, free parking seems to be a dying concept. Parking
meters, then pay to park lots, and now valet parking at restaurants, sporting
events, and now even malls is popular. Rather than park and hike a mile, we
grin and bear the $5 to let some hormone enhanced teen park our precious car for
us. Do you think they are going to walk the mile back? They rented all the
good spots close, no free parking for them either. Some places are even bending
to pressure from motorcyclists, and providing motorcycle only spaces, where we
can enjoy the benefits of parking our ride, closer, and with other bikes. But
although paid parking, now $20 to see the Chargers lose, is growing, many free
spaces are available. Like Disneyland for instance, I guess when you spend over
$100 to enter the happiest place on earth, you ought to get something for it,
besides the opportunity to stand in line all day. Looking at a picture of the
parking lot at Disneyland on opening day, 1955, it occurred to me that where do
we park is very important. And takes up a lot of space. Drive around Qualcomm,
it is more parking lot than stadium. Same with malls, and funny how we don’t
mind walking the malls with packages in hand, but grimace when we have to walk
the parking lot to our cars. So much land that is not revenue producing, maybe
that explains the higher mall rental rates for tenants, all we want is a place
to park for free. How cool if they even came up with a Free Parking pot like we
did in Monopoly, I bet people would even pay to park, hoping to get some money
back. I’m surprised Vegas hasn’t come up with this, sort of a Wheel of Fortune
for parking. With Vanna an added free feature. Now if only I could remember
where I parked my car?
We talk about freedom in church, talk about giving, then pass the
collection plate. Years ago I read about Ray Stedman passing a bucket on
Wednesday nights, and if you needed some cash, reach in and take some. Be
honest, don’t steal, and if more needed, see a pastor. A pleasant reversal on
church themes of today. And I always wanted to do it, and one weekend in
Laughlin, speaking at a Triker rally was able to. With unpredictable
results.
After teaching, I passed the pot, using the example of Mr. Stedman. Not
fully trusting to God, I put in two $10 bills, just in case the first guys
needed some, then passed it around. After we were done, I gave what was left in
the bag to the president, tradition says it was for me, for expenses, I was out
on a limb here trusting God. They were blown away, it seems the triker group
was very poor, I didn’t know it, but should have guessed by the parking lot.
But later the president of this group came up to me in tears. Many had only
wanted a Sunday speaker as a token for the Christians at the rally, but this had
changed many hearts. And with the money, they had started a benevolent fund,
something they had been talking about, but never had enough extra cash to
initiate. Now they did, and many were excited, and were going to use the
principal of helping others need, starting at the club level. A simple desire
that God had placed in my heart 30 years earlier had become real, and I was
blessed beyond words. A simple giving, a simple trusting of God, had allowed me
to be part of a blessing. Many who were fussing how they would get home, low on
gas funds, now could without worry. And as the board talked, they were excited
on how they now could help others. In giving, we had all received. Maybe we
could approach our pastors with this story, have them initiate giving to the
needy within their ranks, can I hear an AMEN?
Imagine if you would, getting something back from church? When Jesus fed
the 5000, he asked for no money, the food and the parking was free. All he had
was a kid’s meal from some kid, and look what he did. He fed, ministered, and
proved the miracle of giving, and its consequences. When we give, we truly
receive, and pass it on. But it starts with Jesus, who loved us first, so we
could love him. Pray about giving more, not necessarily at church, but as you
go. Invite a mom and her kids in for a lunch. Sit with them, maybe wait on
them. Give her a rest, and also a blessing. Which is huge to her, but even
bigger to you. Free parking may give you a windfall in our version of Monopoly,
but Jesus set the example in Matthew 25, feed the hungry, give water to the
thirsty, clothe the naked, and visit those in jail and in hospitals. Give of
more than your money, and find if you give to the least of them, you are doing
it unto Jesus. And he never forgets. What a better way to show the love of
Christ than preaching at them. Ministry should not be a mystery, it is simple
meeting needs as we go. And one Sunday in Laughlin it was for trikers.
With an interesting payback for me. When walking across the lot later, a
man came up, and had bitterness towards the church, confusing it for Jesus. He
explained God had changed his heart towards him, and he saw a whole new side of
Jesus in the giving. He didn’t need the money, nor had he given, but was
anxious to start back to church,and get close to God again. One step of faith,
following an example of giving, had changed his heart. I call it evangelism,
and I didn’t even know I was. All I wanted to do was give based on a testimony
I heard years ago. And look at the fruit!
Go love on someone today, you will recognize the Lazarus God places before
you, and act. You never know the eternal ramifications involved. For you a few
dollars and minutes of your time, for some an eternal decision for Christ.
Ministry is simply meeting the needs, for some salvation, some need a bed, some
a meal, some a hug. Some a place to park. Jesus offers it all for free, so we
can afford it. He just uses us to minister his blessings. If a woman can
afford a few cents, don’t you think you can afford a few minutes? Don’t let
Jesus have a Monopoly on giving.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com