That's what the saucer is for.


Abundance is not something we acquire; it is something we tune into. –Wayne Dyer


The Psalmist in the Bible regularly speaks with great awe about the generous heart of the Lord. Most memorably, in Psalm 23, he writes: My cup overflows! These words reminded me of when I was little, and Mom would come around with milk or Kool-Aid and tell us to say “when.” She would pour slowly, waiting for us to speak that magic word.

Sometimes we would actually say when; other times, we would giggle and watch, and see if Mom would stop if we didn’t tell her to. I can remember her carefully pouring until physics kicked in, and the surface tension made the liquid stretch above the rim of the glass, just a bit. Oh, the challenge of getting that very full glass to our lips without spilling!

But every once in a while, she’d overshoot, and bright red liquid would dribble over the side onto the table (or our laps). It happened so unexpectedly, sort of—after all, why would we ever think Mom would offer us more than we asked for or needed? But she would.

And so does God. But unlike Mom, God does so with every intention of astonishing us. Even if our “life cups” had saucers, God would overfill them, too, leaving us (when we stop and notice) giggling and gasping at God’s generosity. The Love and Grace and Peace God pours out for and on each one of us truly goes beyond our expectations.

This week, pause and look with eyes to see for the generous abundance God is pouring out-- for you. And feel free to tip that saucer and drink. Plenty more where that comes from!

Monday, April 23 Start your week intentionally. Spend at least five minutes truly focused on God. Sit quietly, still your mind and listen. Give thanks. Psalm 1

Tuesday Take your “gratitude show” on the road. Wherever you go today, look for God’s presence: in a stranger’s smile, in a bird’s trill—wherever it appears to your eager heart. Psalm 8

Wednesday God longs to draw near to you. Does your heart yearn for God, as well? Find a classic romantic movie or novel at the library and watch with someone you care about. Psalm 42

Thursday Take a minute (or more) to remember someone whose life you’ve admired, but they’ve gone on to glory. See if you can learn more about them. Give thanks for the saints in your life. Psalm 23

Friday Think again about yesterday’s saint. Is there something that happened in their life you would like to see happening in yours? What’s holding you back? Psalm 47

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, is there someplace you could use more of God’s forgiveness? Ask and receive. Psalm 51

Sunday What brings you to worship today? Are you hurting? Overjoyed? Whatever is going on in your heart or life, offer it to God as a holy and living sacrifice. You are here; God is here. And that is enough. Psalm 150

For me, the opposite of scarcity is not abundance; it’s enough. I am enough. My kids are enough. –Brene Brown

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