The heaven in Revelation does not sound like a very crowded place - 144,000, to be exact. Only those who had the name of the Lord written on their foreheads were able to sing the new song and be ushered into the inner circle of heaven. But Revelation is a book of symbols and riddles, and 144,000 signifies a state of completeness or perfection. Those with the name of God written on their foreheads are those who have taken the law of God to heart and transformed their lives and hearts. Revelation insists in numerous places that a vast multitude from every race, tongue, people, and nation worship and praise God. Revelation is always a call to glory, not fear or dread. When we give to charity or donate something, do we feel it? Do we really have to sacrifice anything? Sometimes those who give huge sums are praised and venerated, but in most cases they have not missed any meals in the process. The widow in the story gave a tiny amount, but it was all she had. She definitely missed some meals, for her gift was a genuine sacrifice. It doesn't have to be money - our time and energy are just as precious. Do we give it cheerfully, and are we willing to be inconvenienced? We are given many opportunities to imitate the widow.