LONGING FOR GOD’S PROVISION, DAY FIVE

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Tuesday, March 18th

And do not keep seeking what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that seek all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. ~ Luke 12:29-31 (NRSVUE)

One especially hot summer in Toledo, our local water became undrinkable when excess algae in Lake Erie overwhelmed the public water purification system. Concerned, Jim and I went to the grocery store to purchase some bottled water–and found the shelves empty. We expanded our search to several more places, but they had been cleared out, too. Finally, we drove for a while through the countryside until we found a small carry-out that still had bottled water available. We happily purchased enough drinking water to last for several days.

We headed for home, feeling peaceful and relieved, but soon our souls became unsettled. We recognized that we had just contributed to the very thing that had caused our frustration–the hoarding of clean water supplies. We had neglected God’s call to care for one another and to trust in God’s daily provision. And so, we decided to share our water with a few of the older folks in our faith community. We spent the afternoon visiting dear ones who were not easily able to travel very far, and we enjoyed sharing our friendship and our water supply.

Our stressful day became a joy-filled, memorable one.

Oh, this was such a small step of trust. I know I would not have felt as generous if the water shortage had impacted a larger area. I am certain that we can always share more than we do, more often than we do. But on that day, taking this small risk led to a feeling of genuine freedom that uplifted and eased our anxious spirits. We felt a deep trust in God’s provision that enabled us be part of God’s provision for others. Water was scarce but joy was overflowing.

Thank you, God, for prompting us to share, for poking us with your correction that day. Thank you for your abundance. Help us to never forget that every gift comes from you–for us to share with one another.

(Photo by Karen; Lake Erie in better days)