Because I have grown up in a consumer oriented culture, I have been trained my entire life to always want more, want better, and want an upgrade. This has made me incredibly materialistic. The problem with this sort of attitude is that I am never satisfied. There will always be a bigger tractor, a newer pickup truck, or another cow I must have in order for my life to be complete. Sadly, this way of thinking has never brought contentment. It can’t.
But there are times when God opens my eyes to help me see I have enough. Yesterday was one of those days.
Yesterday morning, Susan was the volunteer receptionist/staff baby sitter.
As I walked through the lobby of Dennis Hall, I saw Susan talking to a tiny woman wearing house shoes, a threadbare coat, and a scarf on her head. It was clear she had come to the church for assistance.
Susan walked to the pantry in the workroom and asked if I knew which sacks of food were filled for multiple people. I did not but Pastor Brian showed us. I carried one and Susan carried the other.
We walked back into the lobby and I said, “Ma’am, we’ve got your food. May I put it in your car?” The tiny woman said, “I don’t have a car. I walked to the church. My house is around the corner. I’ll just carry the sacks.”
There was no way this little woman was going to be able to carry two large grocery sacks filled with food so I said, “You carry one and I’ll carry the other.” Susan handed her the bag of groceries and we began to walk towards her home.
As we walked to her house, I thanked God for my truck. I didn’t have to walk everywhere I went.
As we walked through the alley to her very small house, I realized the modest home I have is really a mansion.
As I set the bag of groceries on a chair outside the front door of her house, I remembered that I never have to worry about whether I have something to eat. My problem has never been if I would eat but instead, choosing from many options.
After telling her our church was there for her and if she needed any help, please let us know, I wished her a Merry Christmas. As I walked back to the church thinking about what had just happened, I realized, I have enough.
I am married to the woman God created for me. My beautiful daughters are in good marriages. My grandchildren are healthy and happy. I have transportation, plenty of clothes, a pantry filled with food, medical insurance, a home, and a job that I love. I have enough.
In 1895, Clara H. Scott published a hymn that illustrated my experience. I is entitled Open My Eyes, That I May See. She begins this beautiful song by saying:
“Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!”
Yesterday, God opened my eyes to help me see the truth. I have enough.
Jesus said, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for opening my eyes so I see I have enough. Help me be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Today, take a moment to recognize and acknowledge the many blessings in your life. Most of us can truly say, “I have enough.”
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 