. . . my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5
In the course of my life I can guarantee I’ve reached the million mark in a number of areas. There’s been more than a million cups of coffee (ok, maybe not that many-but close!), a million steps since I learned to walk, a million sneezes (each time I sneeze I do them in threes-that adds up fast!), a million mistakes and a million peanut M&M’s. But one thing is for sure, the benchmark of asking God to do things, change things and make things happen have far exceeded a million I think.
I just celebrated my birthday this last weekend and the top question on the board was, “What would you like?” Others were wanting to create a day full of blessings by giving things I’d enjoy. My day was filled with my favorite things (I suddenly started humming that song from The Sound of Music) — ugghh!! I was overwhelmed at times and stuffed to the gills for most of the day!
I have spent a great deal of my time in life asking God for things. Some of those requests and prayers have been answered, while some are still in the queue. And now, many have asked me for the answers to questions in order to bring blessings to me. That day was made marvelous through the diligence and willingness of those asking of my favorites. But what about God? How often has God asked me, about me?
I know that God cares about me, in fact loves me beyond measure. I also know that He wants nothing but the best for me — even though my choices have not always opened the door to His blessings. But God knows my heart and He knows what delights me and my spirit. Knowing this, sometimes He doesn’t actually need to ask — He knows — and He blesses. My day entails keeping a close watch out for His subtle surprises — to see the beauty in the blessings of those things in which He knows I find delight. I don’t always accept those blessings as I should, nor see them as from His hand.
My cup, indeed, overflows!
- The honks high above of the Sandhill Crane, circling in their flocks on their journey home, grabs my attention in awe and wonder.
- The dazzling dance of a bumblebee in the garden captures me.
- The sounds of a saxophone.
- The burst of orange, blue, yellow and purple from the sun’s first kiss of the day takes my breath away.
- The heartbeat of the ocean gently breaking on the shore in the early morning hours mesmerizes me.
- The subtle breeze of springtime.
- The sounds of my children laughing.
- The winter night sky is overwhelmed with the details of His creation.
When God asks me how He can bless me, these are a few of those things He shares with me!
Lord Jesus, I am overwhelmed at how much my cup runs over. My party is clearly not over or my cups would be dry. Instead, you have filled them to overflowing! I celebrate these many blessings and more — may my eyes continue to recognize your hand in all things.
. . . because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb. Genesis 49:24-25