Our provisions should prompt us to praise but, sadly, we’ve grown so accustomed to our comfortable lives, we often don’t take note of our common blessings until our shelves aren’t stocked, or the rain doesn’t stop, or more dramatically, we lose our home… or our country.
Last week my husband and three others handed out sandwiches and water in some of the worst areas of Paterson—sandwiches made in homes where sandwich-making is a common, thoughtless activity, in kitchens with running water that fills cups and washes hands. Food and water, provisions we barely consider.
I suspect those in refugee camps are keenly aware of provisions, thankful for a cup of rice, a bottle of water, someone’s discarded t-shirt, a night of safety, a pair of sandals, a ball for play, paper and pencil, a tarp in the rain.
Living in a new place has sensitized me to God’s extravagant provision and prompts praise daily, but I’m aware that familiarity has the power to dull my heart. Holy Spirit, keep me alert and thankful.
Let’s live with our eyes open to God’s gracious supply. Let’s pause and count our blessings. Add your praises to mine: a washer and dryer (on the main floor), air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom (!), recovery from illness, a heart beating in regular rhythm, space, birds at our feeders and deer crossing our yard, neighbors (near, but not too near), a great library, cupboards for dishes and filled with food, an attached garage, a front porch… Provisions that prompt praise!
…Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind,
for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9
BARBARA HIGBY 