"I know what it is to be in need, and I
know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being
content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want.” -Philippians 4:12
Plenty: portion after portion after portion of pasta! As the server wrapped up my 2nd helping to go, I was beyond content and thankful; it just did not end with delicious delight! With my treasure in hand, I started for home. As I pulled up to the stop light, a familiar sight
strolled by my window. A young man with a sign reading “homeless
and hungry."
I never give money. I rarely have food.
Tonight was quite the exception. I glanced down and noticed that not
only do I have food, I have delicious, hot, expensive food. More than
enough for two people to share. Impulsively, I handed my precious
gift to the young man. With an almost stoic face, he said, “thank
you,” took the meal, laid it down, and continued to walk the median
with the sign. Instead of consuming his bounty, he kept on begging.
As if what he was given wasn't enough to satisfy, even for the night.
His words were not his heart. His true
heart was consumed by a different desire leaving the giver disturbed
in his discontent. He hadn't even opened the box. He had no idea the
abundant extravagance that was inside. “What was asked for was
received. Cease striving. Consume satisfaction. Rest in grace.”
I have been given the most amazing,
satisfying, delicious gift of life! Why do I take this incredible
gift – more than I ever asked for – and lay it aside to continue
begging for more? As long as I never consume the gift of love, grace,
and peace of Christ – given to me personally from the LORD'S very
hand to mine – then I will always beg for more; for more will never
be enough. From my hunger to His hurt: how much the Giver of this
extravagance must be horribly distraught by my dismissal of His favor
and gifts.
Do I gaze
upon His face and be filled or continue to gaze upon my brokenness and
beg? “Lay down your desires by my Shepherd's staff and take up my
Presence in this place. When you ask of Me, you receive of Me. Take
and eat of Me, this is my brokenness given as satisfaction for you.”
