Life Abundantly....

Life abundantly. What a wonderful, wonderful gift. And what a gift to be able to recognize it!

When my friend Karen was alive, she always reminded me of gratitude. I've been blessed with a natural tendency toward it, but she definitely groomed it! If I were having a issue with work or school or at home, she would remind me of the fact that I had a job, a home, and was able to attend school. She encouraged me in those moments, to focus my gratitude lists in the areas where I was struggling. An exercise for sure at times!

She also reminded me to focus on what I had, rather than what I lacked. I could focus on the fact that I would love to have hardwood floors in my home, or a new computer, or this, that and the other thing...OR... I could focus on the fact that I have this wonderful home, that perfectly suits our needs, in a wonderful neighborhood, in a good school district.

I can look into my life and realize what I have, or I can focus on what I feel I lack. My needs or my wants. When I focus on my needs, I see that my cup runneth over - that I truly do have "life abundantly" - that I am "blessed beyond my wildest imaginings". Focusing on my wants, is an unending cascade of disappointment. For as soon as I get that which I am focused on - that which I lack - something else will captivate me. My needs are met - and then some. My wants will never be satisfied.

Help me to focus on the gifts I have been given - the greatest of all is Your presence in my life.



"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10