Abundant living is not a matter of material gain, but rather a condition of the heart. It is a place that allows one to love without expectation, forgive without just cause and serve with selfless humility. It requires the bending of the knees, outstretching of the arms. Eyes are focused out towards others, even when desires within are left unmet. Serving becomes an opportunity to honor and exult, even the most undeserving, turning a have to into a get to. A spiritual act of worship, of praise.
And it is in the times of extreme exhaustion, when the wits end of the rope is in sight that the abundant outpouring of perfect love is released to overflowing. For it is in the overflow that strength is found not in oneself, but in the very One who cradles the soul and bottles every tear. In the overflow one finds grace and freedom. Mistakes made do not disqualify or discount, but instead turn one to repentance and new mercies. The dead places are brought to life, words of truth nourish and make firm the foundation upon which to stand. A bruised soul finds healing and acceptance.
When abounding love and abundant life are received, one is equipped and able to sacrificially give of time, talent and treasure. For, truly, it is not in the public accolades and acquiring of goods that one finds meaning, but in the quiet offering of a life surrendered, with eyes firmly fixed upon the eternal...
where the cost has been counted and the only reasonable response is Yes, Lord.
