Written by Jennifer Dover

Late one night, long after our kids should have been in bed, my son Ezra was in the kitchen looking for something. I figured he was searching for a snack, but I was busy and didn’t pay much attention. When he came out of the kitchen, he was holding an unusual contraption. The funny looking mish mash of boxes and tubes was a money collection box for Spreading Sunshine to help pay for meals served to families at the hospital.

We all put some change in, and he put in his last bit of money from his wallet. I asked if he wanted to put it all in, and he assured me he did. That’s when I knew this came from his heart. This seed of an idea popped into his mind, and he creatively brought it to life.

I admire him, and all kids, for their lack of fear. His expectations weren’t grand. He simply had an idea, had fun, and didn’t worry about what it might or might not accomplish. I admire him, and all kids, for their lack of fear. Honestly, he probably thought we would all give him some change and that would be the end of it. Whatever he collected would have been better than giving nothing. We have so much to learn kids, don’t we?

So often we have an idea, but that’s about as far as it goes, at least for me anyway. We get overwhelmed with the details. We are afraid it won’t be successful; we think it has to live up to someone else’s expectations; and we lose confidence.

I posted about my son’s change drive on social media and several people commented they wanted to give. By the end of the week he had almost $100. So far he has collected $300!!

We still have people donate money simply because they love his idea and want to encourage him in his desire to help others.

It reminds me of  the little boy who gave his last pieces of bread and fish to help feed the multitudes. Jesus took the little he was willing to give and multiplied it beyond anyone’s imagination, making it more than enough.  When we give what we have, not letting limited of resources or fear stand in our way, Jesus will find it sufficient. And He might just do something that leaves us in awe.

During the month of March the Sunshine community is joining together for the “Be The Change” virtual change drive. You can participate wherever you live, whatever your age. You can help show families facing pediatric medical challenges they are loved and not alone. You can join Ezra in his fundraiser for sick kids.