This was the slogan on a nearby billboard. It got me thinking, again, about food & social justice. It also got me thinking about humility and thanksgiving.
To be fair, I'll state the obvious: the Kenobi household has more than enough.
More than enough space.
More than enough food.
More than enough money.
More than enough toys.
More than enough chairs.
More than enough time.
More than enough beds.
More than enough laughter.
More than enough everything.
I hope that, no matter how much or how little we have, this will be the truth of my heart, mind, and words.
A friend told me about Erika Haub, and I am so thankful. It is beautiful to hear her perspective on life in a very desperate inner-city neighborhood. In a recent post, she commented, “I just don’t believe that every person or household needs to have every thing.” She talked about sharing a washing machine, among other acts of generousity.
Not much later, I read this post , an note to Erika from somebody who inspired and challenged me. The friend was examining her own stewardship, and wanted to make providing groceries for somebody else a standard piece of her household grocery budget.
Two questions hold true for everyone: Do we give? Do we receive?
How do we provide for ourselves? What is our priority for others; the poor, the stranger, the imprisoned, the hurt, the rejected, the forgotten, the lonely, the weak? We are given abundantly as a means for caring for ourselves and others' needs. It's not about giving our leftovers or seasonal needs - we must prioritize both if we are good stewards of all we have.
If we forget this, or deceive ourselves to believe we've somehow earned everything we have, we will hold our money and things very tightly. Circumstance, providence, or choices eventually will take our possessions, and the things held tightest will leave the biggest wounds.
When we hold our gifts with open hands - generously sharing, gratefully receiving, viewing everything we have to be a blessing - we find ourselves knowing true abundance. We will clearly see that all we have is more than enough.
5 comments:
Well said and a good reminder that I need to hear often. Thanks!
That quote made me think of the proverb, "when God wants to punish us, he gives us everything we've asked for."
Thanks for turning me on to another great blog.
elizabeth - you are an example to me in this!
mallory - thanks. I think you'll enjoy her.
this morning, I had some mama friends over. One is expecting twins this fall! She mentioned that they're looking at double-everything, now, which definitely changes their baby budget.
We have a crib. It was used very little by us (as you know if you've read my motherhood posts), and won't be needed around here for at least a while.
I thought of this post and immediatley offered it up - why store it here when it could be used?! She happily accepted. Good. buy less, save more.
I'm humbled by that because I feel like I have a long ways to go.
You are an example to me, too. We are getting so much use out of your rocker and the portable bassinette (it's Caleb's bed in the "new" house right now, so I'm really glad you urged me to hang onto it a little longer).
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