What’s Twenty-Bucks?

December 3, 2025

Jason Bonnicksen

What’s Twenty-Bucks?

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 3

Jane peeked her head into my door, “Pastor, we have a visitor. A man named Silas is here. He’s wondering if we could help him with some gas.” “Send him back.” I replied. “Let’s see what we can do.”

In his late 30’s, Silas’ outward appearance revealed a life that hadn’t been easy: worn, rough hands; clothes that needed washing; and a face too weathered and wrinkled for his age.

“Hi Pastor, I’m Silas—Silas Mercer,” the man said. “Come on in,” I replied. “But I wouldn’t get too close,” I added. “I’ve got a touch of the crud, and I’d hate for ya to get sick. Tell me, what’s going on, and how can we help.” 

Silas was new to the area and had secured employment nearby. That job, though, requires a medical exam and drug screening, but he didn’t have enough cash to pay for the gas to get to the doc. Silas was hoping we could help.

“In truth,” he said, “I owe the gas station $20. I went to put fuel in my car the other day, but didn’t have sufficient funds. I need to make some money to pay the owner back.” I appreciated Mr. Mercer’s candor.

“We don’t have a gas fund per se, and I don’t carry cash” I answered Silas. “But I tell ya what I’ll do. Go over to the gas station, and before you get there, I’ll call ahead and ask the owner to put $20 in your tank. I’ll go see him in a bit and pay him for the gas.”

Silas was thankful, and for that I am grateful. But this post isn’t about his gratitude, but mine. That might seem odd, but I figured since God has blessed me, who am I not to be a blessing back?

Every day, I recite the Lord’s prayer — sometimes as written, sometimes as a template. I’m reminded of the petition Jesus taught:

“Give us this day our daily bread”

Matthew 6:11, ESV.

There are so many ingredients in that daily bread: Jesus himself; His sacrifice on our behalf; His Word (which helps us walk in His ways); the air we breathe; and of course, our incomes, homes, food, clothing, shelter and much more.  

My wife and I do okay for ourselves. We’re blessed by the people and organizations to whom we serve. We aren’t “wealthy” by an American standard, but certainly rich by the world’s standards. But more importantly, we’re blessed abundantly by the Lord.

What’s twenty bucks, I thought? It’s nothing. It’s three Starbucks® Venti Iced Brown- Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espressos; it’s two lunches at Slim Chickens; or a baker’s dozen from Dunkin Donuts. We indulge in these often; certainly $20 for gas is nothing.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:10–11, ESV

What’s twenty bucks? To me, it’s just the means to satisfy my afternoon bread. But perhaps for Silas, it was everything—a start to a new beginning. “Father God, bless Silas. (You know his real name). May the blessing you’ve given me help him. Thank you for the opportunity to be a blessing, and for another teaching moment for us all. Amen.”

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