I have always enjoyed leftovers. Sometimes they remain tasty and may even supersede the first time around. That is a pleasant surprise. But as I think of leftovers tonight, I am thinking about some of the people who have received my leftovers. Occasionally it involved food but more often it involved clothes, furniture and change. As I am reflecting on the people who have gratefully received my leftovers, I find my thoughts expanding and prayerfully considering so many in our world who are living one step from desperation yet are willing to gratefully receive crumbs from the table of my life. That thought weighs heavy in my heart. I am watching people from Uganda who have done so much with our leftovers to educate people caught in the bloody political struggles. The same is true in Rwanda and other war torn countries. I am also thinking of a local Haitian family that will feel like their tiny apartment finally is home as they receive our used furniture. I am also visualizing the clothes that I discard to Community Aid or the Salvation Army and realize all of that is good and should not be discouraged. But somehow my heart is broken knowing that so many live on the subsistence of this world while I enjoy bounty and options. As I reflect on the weight of this, I am also enamored by the character of people who find joy in leftovers and do not demand more or complain that God is unfair. I am keenly aware of my own complaints I have offered before God even today. My concerns are important to me but so much of my life is focused on trivial concerns with little impact on the ministry God has called me to serve. I am not morbid or self flagellating but it is important to reflect on my priorities and consider if I am only capable of offering leftovers or do I share from the table of my life before it becomes leftovers? I am certain that even my own family has struggled at times to receive from my table. As I quiet my soul tonight, I confess that I have not always shared freely from my life table but there have been times where generosity has won over selfishness. Those are good moments to celebrate even as I reflect on leftovers.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 01:30:13 +0000