For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. Matthew 12:34-35
We took a ride yesterday, hoping that we could still pick some apples before the weather turned too cold. None of us were feeling great after having a bug that was not life threatening but annoying and wearing. We finally arrived at the apple trees, which stand atop a little ridge. The trees and ground were loaded with apples. It was a quiet place, we saw no other people until we were leaving, and there was an overpowering sense of the beauty and abundance of God's creation. The trees on the hills in the distance were gold and crimson, fire and sand. God's capacity to bring such full life and such fruit in the midst of a world which is turning colors in anticipation of winter's dying, well that touched my heart. Even when we are unable to expect fruit, God finds ways to feed us abundantly. Even when we are ailing and life is challenging, God's abundance acts for us and God's healing is always at hand.
Our normal human response in times of decline and darkness is often anger and selfishness. As if we can really turn the tide of things. And yet, I have always been touched by someone's generosity and kindness - in words and actions -in the midst of their darkest hours. And their actions have always reminded me of God's abundance and faithfulness in our darkest hours.
Today, as the rain pours down, I want to be numbered among those who offers others good treasures, kind words and an abundant spirit. I ask God to give me strength to do simple things like smiling that others might be brightened in this day. And may God's abundance work through us that all of our words and actions give life and joy today.
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