“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Proverbs 30:7-9, NIV)
Pondering and seeking the Lord's choice for my morning cuppa, notations in my journal had me rereading Proverbs 30:7-9 several times. The notes* reminded me of a needed perspective of thankfulness. Maybe Thanksgiving being just days away prompted this meditation as well.
Plenty---a BIG cuppa plen-TEA is what most Americans want!
"Economy sways are voting, not character. "Plenty" tempts us to think we can get along without God. (H. Clark, 2005)
Without thankfulness, one can become selfish and cynical, regardless of how much $$$ one has.
Poverty---a cuppa pover-TEA that can become bitter as one becomes sulky and sorrowful.
Viewing life as if God has forgotten us can fuel feelings of jealousy and resentment.
- A change of perspective is often what is needed most.
- Without the pang of hunger, food is not a gift.
- Fatigue helps us appreciate rest,
- Darkness helps us seek light,
- Illness increases one's awareness of the gift of health.
*(Howard Clark, "POVERTY & PLENTY ENEMIES OF THANKSGIVING" sermon notes, 11/20/2005)
