|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "From Ocean Unto Ocean"1
(Lyrics) |
Psalm 23:5b – My cup runneth over. (KJV)
You may be familiar with the exercise of filling a jar to the half-way mark with water, putting it in a prominent place, and, upon rising, seeing if you view it as "half-full" or "half-empty". Some may even check on it throughout the day, and/or again upon retiring.
When I was introduced to this exercise, it seemed that my jar was more than half-full. Had I cheated, miscalculated? I carefully measured and re-measured. No, mathematically, it was exactly half-full, but still, every day, it seemed to be more than half-full.
We all know the purpose of the exercise has nothing to do with the water in the jar, but how we view our lives.
Some people see their "jars" as "half-empty" … they are missing something. Some others, who may be seen by some to have "half-empty jars", feel their lives are at least "half-full" or more so. The "fullness" of their lives is not measured by the clothes they wear, the material goods they've acquired, or the status they have attained. No, their "fullness" is in direct correlation to their spirituality … their relationship with the Creator in their belief system.
Still for others, the perception of the "fullness of their jar" fluctuates. Upon greeting those whom we know to have "fluctuating fullnesses", instead of using the standard, no-answer-really-required, "How are you doing?" how about stretching it just a bit to "How are you doing today?" or "How are you doing right now?" It can be a big help. So can sharing some of the fullness of your jar, for it seems that when we share, the level of the fullness of our jar is not only maintained, but "runneth over".
What is the "fullness" of your jar?
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we know our "fullness" comes through our relationship with You and our ability to share with those who may not feel the "fullness". We ask that You would guide us as we strive to help them see their jars as "half-full" rather than "half-empty". Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share on Facebook
About the author:
Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Send your feedback to the author
Thanks Mary, blessings to you and your family.
Thank you for a good reminder. Although I have heard of the jar viewpoint, I never thought about actually filling a jar and looking at it throughout the day.
Blessings.
It was very enjoyable reading another of your past written devotionals Mary. Yes, our life is well nourished to the “full” when we receive Jesus in our lives and stay nourished by His word. Blessings for your writing.
Mary,
Thank you for writing this devotional.
I need to look at my jar to remind myself that my cup runneth over.
Thank you.
Blessings.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. To God be the glory! As I finished reading this devotional, I picked up the jam and returned it to the refrigerator. It still has a fingers width of strawberry sweetness inside. I used to make my own preserves and jams, not so these days. Now I visit the Amish neighbors. Gets me out of the house and a bit of human interaction. Thank you again for sharing. Blessings.