My Cupboards Overflow

I am ashamed of the bounty in my cupboards. I go to the grocery store and purchase anything I want. I do not budget for the cost of a loaf of bread, gallon of milk, or bag of chips. I buy them without thinking. This is unsettling to me knowing so many must budget to put food on the table or have no food at all. It’s embarrassing to be able to try any new cereal, spread, sauce, cracker, soda, cookie or ice cream flavor. And I buy expensive favorites. I indulge in cherries whatever the cost. I purchase tiny pints of blueberries all summer. My embarrassment is not from having the food but from my ungrateful spirit. I take food for granted.

Food is a gift I have in abundance. I have other abundant gifts I take for granted. Hospitality is sometimes one of them. I find it easy to throw a big party, and forget the importance of a little gathering. I am over the top with an event and don’t think about the small welcome that would mean so much to a weary guest. I overdo. And the gathering becomes all about me and my house and my skills at putting on a big shindig. I take my gift of hospitality for granted.

God has poured his abundance into my life. He’s given me many blessings from the food on my table to the peace in my heart. I am the steward of those gifts. Being a steward means sharing. All I pour out will flow back to me many times over. Taking my gifts for granted does not honor God. We are given much and expected to share not hoard.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38

Posted 11/23/2006 @ 9:07 PM | Weekly Thoughts