The other morning I woke up at 7:27am. I had to leave for work at 7:30. With a gasp, a wrinkly shirt, and sweaters on my teeth I rushed out the door to make it to work on time. This has happened before, but I usually remember my forgetfulness in the middle of the night. And when I do my instinct is to thank Jesus for the nudge of punctuality. This particular morning on my sleepy eyed drive I started thinking about the 3 minutes I had to get ready, and how it was just enough time. How “just enough” is often the case in God’s economy. My needs are met, I am clothed and fed and loved, and how often I forget this is sufficient. This is just what I need. It is in the surplus that I lean on my own understanding. It is there that I neglect the One who meets my needs.
For many years in our marriage we felt the pinch of a very small bank account. It seemed anytime extra would come in, the car would need repaired, or taxes were owed, etc. I remember the frustration of never feeling like we could get ahead. I also remember that I never had to skip a meal, never had to find a place to sleep, but in that pinch I found it hard to be thankful for this. It was easy to feel entitled to, even deserving of more. Just 9 more minutes, that’s all I wanted. And before I knew it I had wasted what I had in front of me and given myself over to worries of not attaining more.
A tangible reminder to be thankful in the needs met, not longing for what I want and don’t have, came a few days after this rushed morning. The boy we sponsor in Honduras (through Compassion International) sent a letter thanking us for the birthday money we had sent. (The amount barely being enough to buy a cheeseburger here.) Included was a picture of Carlos with a pair of shoes and socks. In his letter he said he enjoyed having something new. It chokes me up to think of this little boy, all of 9 years old, being so appreciative of basic needs like shoes and socks. How to him it was an added bonus that they were new. His picture is on my fridge to help me remember, next time I reach for the snooze button, that I have more than enough.
