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The minutes have crawled by since I typed the above title. I sit and
await further inspiration, hoping it arrives before my deadline. You
see, I'm not feeling abundantly blessed - at least in the way I'd like to be
- but I enjoy imagining how easy life will be once the blessings come.

I think about a certain long-haired tuxedo cat who demands "blessings"
and usually receives them. I think about The Prayer of Jabez by Dr.
Bruce Wilkinson. So many people are anxious to be blessed that the book has
been number one on the best seller list for weeks. It seems that
everyone desires to be blessed.

A question forms in my mind: once you are blessed, then what?

A blessing surely must trigger an active response on the receiver's
part. Not just a "glow" from the knowledge of God's faithfulness and
goodness, but some sharing, whether it be tangible or verbal. If you've been
blessed, can you keep it to yourself? Would you want to? You've got to
spread it around! Even my cat, having received the attention he craves,
responds with purring and kitty kisses. A young mother whose son is in
remission from leukemia rejoices over God's goodness every chance she
gets. A childless couple, finally blessed with a baby of their own,
loves to share their story with others. A medical missionary gives testimony
of much-needed supplies arriving just when the need was greatest. These
blessings are inspirational and encouraging.

Other blessings, the financial kind, can help others in a different
way. There are those who anonymously bless a struggling single parent, a
senior citizen on a limited budget, or a needy child at Christmas. They
may give an extra portion to their church or to a favorite missionary.

Remember, though, that smaller blessings can also be shared. Maybe you
can't afford to do things like sponsor a teen for a mission trip, or
pay for a widow's surgery. You can still donate a smaller amount, or look
for other needs to meet, such as donating clothes, baking a casserole,
offering a car ride.

Blessed with an abundance of vegetables from your garden? Make a list
of those with whom you can share. Your child's outgrown clothes are still
in good shape? There may be a family whose budget won't stretch that far,
who would appreciate such a gift. You own a service-oriented small
business and see a need in your community that you could meet? Reach
out and offer your expertise free of charge.

The following verses offer encouragement, advice, and admonishment
regarding our blessings.

I Tim. 6:17-19~ "Command those who are rich in this present world not
to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but
to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for
our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be
generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure
for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may
take hold of the life that is truly life."

Psalm 49:20~ "A man who has riches without understanding is like the
beasts that perish."

2 Chron. 31:10b~ "Since the people began to bring their contributions
to the temple of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare,
because the LORD has blessed his people, and this great amount is left
over."

Mal. 3:10~ "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may
be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if
I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much
blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

Matt. 10:42~ "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of
these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he
will certainly not lose his reward."

"Our gracious, heavenly Father, we seek your blessings in anticipation
of better things and easier times. May we not become so wrapped up in our
own needs and desires that we fail to see the needs of others. May we
bless even as we have been blessed. And may we never forget that You
haveblessed us with the gift of everlasting life in your presence and a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Even so, come quickly, Lord
Jesus. Amen."

Copyright 2001 by Brenda B. Covert