The January 6 theme is “Standing Knee-Deep in a River and Dying of Thirst.” That’s a pretty self-explanatory title, meaning how we can be so blessed but so wanting at the same time.
I think it’s human nature to always want more. No matter how much money we make, we spend. Our pantries might be stocked, but we shop the weekly grocery sales anyway. And we stuff more in our pantries.
I’m reading a book right now called “Crave: Sojourn of a Hungry Soul” by Laurie Jean Cannady. It’s a memoir, a collection of essays about growing up a poor black child in southern Virginia. I grew up poor, but Cannady’s poor is a whole other layer (or three) poorer. She writes about the cycle of poverty her family has been stuck in. The good news is that each generation seems to be stepping up, just a bit.
So that hunger for more, regardless of our actual level of fullness, is part of the human condition, I think. Sometimes it’s good–the want for better for yourself and your children. And sometimes it’s just greed.
Here’s praying that each day I recognize and give thanks for the many blessings I have–my full pantry and more.
In late 2015 I started reading “Simple Abundance” a daily devotional by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It’s more than a devotional; it’s a guide to recognizing the joy in each moment. I haven’t quite reached that state, but I’m hopeful. I’ve decided to share my daily thoughts on this blog. I love to hear yours as well.
I agree that “wanting” is part of the human condition……..I pray to God to teach me to be content in my circumstances……….especially since I am so blessed with a warm home, hot showers, and a full pantry. But I also think that some of that restlessness is a longing for our real “home”………which isn’t on this earth!
Yes, maybe that wanting is God’s way of encouraging us to reach for (and be part of) His kingdom here on earth. Maybe?