“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”                                  II Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Our family finished dinner including dessert which was a platter of fresh baked cookies. As the kids lingered talking at the table, I began to clear the dishes noticing one lone treat. Have you ever noticed? It always works out that way with cookies – there is usually one last cookie left on the platter or in the package. It is a strange phenomenon. No matter how many people there are the number of cookies never disperses evenly so you are left with one last cookie.

I have seen arguments over the last cookie. I have seen people, young and old, pitch a temper tantrum because someone else ate the last cookie. I remember arguing with my siblings and later college roommates over the last cookie stemming from the selfish nature that everything should be all mine. By adulthood I did, however, learn that in polite society you never take the last of anything when at a public gathering – unless it is directly offered and insisted upon by the host. 

When I got married, I began to learn a little more about sharing and caring about the happiness of others so often times I would save the last treat for my beloved or we would go through the “you take it … no, you take it” routine trying to please and be polite. This forfeiting of the prize however shouldn’t be confused with being a cheerful giver.

Further maturing as a parent, I learned the act of giving without reluctance and without compulsion. As soon as my child was able to eat solid food I learned I would never again be the recipient of the last cookie and I was OK with that. As parents, we give our kids the last of everything – freely – cheerfully. 

Through life lessons and the principle of the last cookie, I have learned that kindness and politeness in the right spirit have a positive effect on me. I have also learned the wonderful feeling of leaving something behind for others to enjoy whether it is a simple treat like a cookie or something much nicer.

The last cookie is a very simplistic example of a bigger concept. As much as I love cookies, leaving the last one behind for someone else to enjoy is simple compared to giving the last of other things that I have. My last dollar. My last free minute. My last or only child.

We are called to give a lot of things in life. Time.  Money. Ourselves. But do we do that freely? Cheerfully? I have to admit, no. I am selfish. Just like the last cookie, I want to argue, pout or hide it to save it for myself. But over the years, I have come to appreciate the fulfillment in giving things away. The whole “the more you give the more you get” concept is really true. (Although it isn’t always easy or comfortable.) 

It is time to apply the principle of the last cookie. Today, give someone else the last of something … with a smile … cheerfully. You will be blessed. Also, on those occasions where you get to appreciate the last cookie – enjoy every bite!