"two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys..." (Genesis 32:14-15).
This was the gift Jacob selected to give to his twin, Esau, after years of separation. Rivalry and bitterness had separated them at least 14 years before. But apparently, time and experience had mellowed the hearts of both men. Both had received material wealth as part of the blessing of God. But more significantly, both had matured as Esau demonstrated by his response to the gift Jacob offered him.
""I have enough, my brother, keep what you have for yourself."
Spoken, those words swept away years of hurt, distrust, suspicion, and family discord. Relationship was restored. Perspective returned.
I underlined both of these statements in my Bible as I read them a few days ago. They were part of my read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year chapters. But they were so much MORE than that! I lifted my eyes to my full living room - multiple candles sitting on the coffee table. Books stacked in the bookshelf, chairs to comfortably seat 9 adults and 2 children, 6 lamps. And that's just in our living room. And these are just material blessings!I have enough! Really! God HAS dealt graciously with me. And because I have enough, I can bring blessing to others.
What a perfect rendering of those verses! What a precious reminder to all of us to be content with what we have, and where we are. Grace is always sufficient.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Kathleen
How beautiful! "I have enough"...AMEN!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
andrea
PS: Love the music on your blog!!
I have enough as well and love to share with those in need whenever I can....I have been so blessed........:-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteSometimes, even enough is more than we need...
ReplyDeleteThoughtful post Rebecca.
You're SO right, Wanda..."Sometimes, even enough is more than we need." (In my case, enough is USUALLY more than I need!)
ReplyDeleteRebecca - thanks for stopping at my blog. I also still pick up pennies.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated this post. How many times have I read that story and never really noticed that section? I too have enough, more than enough and this is a good reminder to be a blessing to others.
I definitely have more than enough. I have had a hard time watching all the Haiti news from my comfortable chair where I can sit and eat anything I want whenever I want and drink as much clean water as I want. Thank you for reminding me that I am blessed to bless others. Freely I have received, freely I can give!
ReplyDeleteA GREAT reflection on gratitude and the "enough" that we have because of Jesus. Me too! More than "enough."
ReplyDeleteI love how you can write something so profound with so few words. I'm taking a few notes on this one... seems I have an abundance of words:)
Keep to it.
peace~elaine
Ah yes, things, we have so many things! These are the times that I look at it all and am grateful for all that we have. And I told Jake that we need to have a yard sale this spring. Only wish that mom could be there as she was such a great help last year. I will miss her. I still have a lot of golden books too Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteLove Di
When we have more then enough..such as most of us, what a joy to bless others, and to restore relationships. God's blessings are endless.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! And I agree!
ReplyDeleteI actually have much more than just enough! I'm looking to get to the level of 'enough'!
This blogging break is helping a little, but there is still so much to do!
I have lots of those Little Golden Books too, I mostly collect those illustrated by Eloise Wilkins, I just love them, so sweet.
Love to you,
Eileen
PS ~ Happy Belated Birthday to Amber!
PS ~ I meant to comment on your last line of your post about bringing your Blessing to others. YES! You do spread your Blessings to us and I am so grateful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing that you have so much....and you do have so much goodness to share with others through your blog and through your kindness and friendship with others...
ReplyDeleteI posted a picture of the daffodils coming up for you :)
We're suppose to get some more snow tonight and monday too...
Hugs...Jerelene