The Overflow

There's always somewhat of a debate about what gift to buy for the person who seems to have everything! As citizens of this country, we often fail to acknowledge just how very blessed we are: things we take for granted - water, shelter, food, safety - are lacking across the globe, even in our own communities. May I suggest one thing we all need is a more grateful heart. Pastor Tony used to call it an "attitude of gratitude." An attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about something or someone, and attitude is typically reflected in one's behavior. God says, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5 ESV). The mind of Christ - His way of thinking and seeing things, His attitude. And, what is that actually? We read in Galatians 5:16 that we are to walk according to The Holy Spirit so that we don't walk according to the selfishness and sinfulness of our own passions. The result is a quite beautiful display of spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV). A positive attitude can be contagious, not to mention uplifting and inspiring. Living with an attitude of gratitude can easily spill-over into the lives of others! I love Jimmy Dean's prayerful ending to his poem "Drinking from My Saucer" ... "May I never be too busy - To help others bear their loads - I'll keep drinkin' from my saucer - 'Cause my cup has overflowed." I watched my grandfather (Daddy Bill) slightly tilt his cup of coffee and the hot brew gently spill-over into his saucer; then, he would sip from the overflow. That is more than just a memory to me: it reminds me that as God has blessed me, I am called and able to bless others. Why not tilt the cup of blessings in your life and enjoy ... the overflow!