Sharing

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 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 9:8-11

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…”

Matthew 25:35

Here’s the beauty in being thankful and taking the time to see God’s daily gifts – my inclination is to share the gifts.  Pass it on. Spread the love. Give back.

The first place I notice this is at home.  I don’t know what my kids see, but what I feel a lot of the time is that I am a grouchy worker.  Yes, I do the laundry, cook dinner, clean the house, drive carpools and clean the toilets, but I do not do the work joyfully.  To be honest, a lot of the time I feel too good to do the work.

But this thankful living, this seeing God’s gifts all around me has altered that today.  I am thankful that we have plenty (read too many) of clothes to wash, that we have a washing machine (so I don’t have to do it all by hand), that we have running water in our house.  I am thankful that we have delicious, nuticious food to eat, that my decision every day is what to cook, not how do I put food on the table for our family?  I am thankful that I drive a new car that is quiet and clean, that I have a car to drive at all.  I am thankful for my health.  That today my sinuses are clear and I have energy and I do not have to be on strong medicine right now.

The thoughts about outreach started last week, I believe they are due to the thankful posture.  I see how much we have and want to share the blessings.  Working with the poor and underprivileged has never been my strong suit.  It has always scared me.  But I am going to take a leap and jump into the thankful pool.

I called a soup kitchen to volunteer.  It will be interesting to see where this leads.  I am excited to trust God and let Him lead me to the right place.  Stay tuned….