Bountiful Blessings

 

“I came so you may have life and have it abundantly.” ~Jesus

Every Sunday when I was growing up, my brother, sister, dad, and I drove to Nana and Papa’s house. Dinner with my aunts, uncles, and cousins was served at two o’clock in the afternoon.

When a small banquet was laid out on the table, we rushed into the dining room. All kinds of aromas wafted from all kinds of ingredients atop all kinds of plates placed atop all kinds of potholders. Everyone fell quiet when Papa bowed his head.

His prayer was the same almost every Sunday. He bellowed it with a familiar cadence and emphasis on specific words. To the best of my memory, it went like this:

“Most holy, merciful and heavenly Father,
For all your bountiful blessings,
Tender mercies,
And loving care,
We give you thanks.
In Jesus’ name–

Amen.”

Papa always paused before that last word to let us kids shout, “Amen.”

I wondered what “bountiful” meant. That was one of the words Papa put emphasis on. I liked the way he said it and it rang out memorably when he combined it with the word “blessings.”

“Bountiful blessings.”

I must’ve mentally filed away my questions about this phrase for a time when I’d be old enough to understand.

Then yesterday happened.

It was a wild day. I made plans only for them to change twenty minutes later. I rushed out the door and forgot something important. I received unpleasant work-related news, spoke words I wish I hadn’t, missed connecting with a friend, and neglected my exercise time. However, I also danced with my son in an unexpected public place, gave my daughters a special gift, hugged my husband without rushing, sang a good song while driving, and stayed up late doing a job I love.

So much happened in one day— all kinds of different things.

That afternoon, I paused and took an inventory. The day was full of plentiful moments— some beautiful, some annoying, some sad, some precious, some sour, and some remarkable. Part of me wanted to be anxious, but a bigger part of me was deeply thankful. I didn’t, however, know what I was really thankful for. I simply felt a general sense of gratitude.

Now, I can tell you what was going on in that pause:

I was beginning to understand what Papa meant when he thanked God for the “bountiful blessings.”

Jesus promised us an abundant life. Abundant doesn’t mean absolutely sweet. It doesn’t mean every moment is steeped in wonder or overflowing with joy. The abundant life is a cornucopia of moments in so many shapes and colors that we can’t contain them. The abundant life means our soul’s palate is satisfied by the thick experiences we’ve been given. There’s no biblical specification as to what kind of moments these will be, only that the sum of these moments will give us a life of abundance.

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Not all blessings sound like a love song, taste like dessert, or yield monetary gain. Life is dynamic, and the dishes are varied. We might not always thank God for the beautiful blessings, but we can always thank him for the bountiful ones.

Like a banquet on the table offers a rich variety of seasonings and sensual experiences, may God’s blessings to you be diverse and robust. May there be all kinds.

I invite you to pray this prayer just like my Papa prayed it before Sunday dinner. Put the emphasis where it comes naturally and don’t forget to shout Amen!— if not aloud, then in the chambers of your heart.

Most holy, merciful and heavenly Father,
For all your bountiful blessings,
Tender mercies,
And loving care,
We give you thanks.
In Jesus’ name–

Amen.

Scriptures for Reflection

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:15-16)

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Reach for More

 This week’s challenge is to pause halfway through a day— right in the midst of the crazy— to thank God for his bountiful blessings. He is opening his hand and giving you exactly what you need right when you need it in this season.

Please, come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you!

Lindsey Feldpausch is a creative writer, graphic design enthusiast, social media coordinator, and sinner saved by grace who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her worship leader/youth pastor husband and four delightful kiddos fill life with unbelievably amusing quotes and sweet snuggles. She thinks God is awesome and that the best adventure starts with saying yes to that still, small voice.