AdventWord2018, Day 21 – “expect”
I’ve always detested lists of Christmas gift requests and long fought the feeling that they should be met with a check to cover a couple of the lesser items because there always seems to be a jackpot gift on those lists.
I learned the concept of enough from my wife, and it’s been a godsend since. Enough to pay the bills, to buy food, put gas in the car, some recreational item we enjoy. If everything is God’s anyway, may we just have enough to keep body and spirit going? No one in my family is selling all their worldly goods and moving to a poor monastery, but we can always do more. And we’re trying.
“The kids have no idea what to get you,” my wife told me days ago. “And neither do I. I know you don’t like lists but can you give us some ideas?”
Her question came from a good place, and I wanted to faithfully respond to her, but I really couldn’t. I have enough.
I thought I could use some more white socks, which made me chuckle because as a young family man I used to howl at getting clothes as gifts, especially socks and underwear. “Noooo, presents are supposed to be fun,” I would mock-whine.
But, sure, socks. And there was a book I hadn’t bought yet. And uh, I’m pretty good. I really don’t want for anything.
God has exceeded my expectations in this life. Enough is plenty, and when I think about it, I find that it’s an embarrassment of riches.
Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
#AdventWord2018 #AdventWord #stannesreston #expect