The big red Macy's bag (the one somebody gave me) almost disappeared into the closet. My husband dug it out a few days ago and used it to store our massive harvest of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and squash.
"What are we going to do with all these vegetables?"
That giant Macy's bag has been sitting next to the kitchen counter for several days. We've already made vegetable deliveries to neighbors, and still the end of season harvest overflows into our kitchen. We could freeze them, can them, or give them to the local Food Bank to feed families in need.
All morning, I've been looking at my bright red Macy's bag filled, not with glamorous clothing, but with vibrant veggies.
Over a decade ago, I traded in my Macy's style for a completely different life. Working for a non-profit organization and teaching part time, for minimal pay, means our family shops and lives differently. We're more thrift store than Macy's, more backyard garden than Wegman's or Whole Foods.
But we've never had so much extra. We left an extravagant life, and we've ironically never had more.
When I wonder what I'm missing, I laugh when I look at my Macy's bag. I give more away than I take in. It seems miraculous on some days. God promises abundance when we follow him. He isn't kidding. I'm so thankful for that today. I'm so thankful for that upside down truth: the more generous we are, the more comes back to us.
Living with flair means I fill my Macy's bag with things to give away because I have so much.
Heather that was so heart warming. May God's grace abound more as you continue to write.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way of looking at life. I hope you'll visit my blog on connecting hearts, which is about helping others. I blog for WorkingMother.com.
ReplyDeleteAnne Sanders
Thank you Heather for the reminder. My husband works for Christian organisation here in Australia, and his pay reduced significantly when he left the Police Service 5 years ago. God has proved himself over that time, and we have never been in need. Today, however, I needed this reminder, as I had been expecting some payments, and have now been told that my claim has been rejected. After getting over the initial shock, I look forward to seeing how God will continue to keep His promises.
ReplyDeleteThanks again.