If Only . . . - June 9
Today’s Readings - AM Psalm 61, 62; Eccles. 8:14-9:10; Gal. 4:21-31; Matt. 15:29-39
it seems that the world is torn between seeing the scarcity that surrounds us or the possibilities that exist. I remember when my children were small, babysitters were a crucial item in your survival toolbox. My parents lived in town, so I wasn’t as desperate as many of my friends. However, a good babysitter was like gold and several of my friends were very hesitant to share the names of the ones they especially liked. It seemed so strange to me. There were so many ways if we collaborated that we could all benefit.
At the root of this attitude, I’ve come to realize is a difference in mindsets. Not necessarily optimism versus negativity but abundance versus scarcity. Some people find themselves trapped in a corner seeing their circumstances as a zero-sum affair, constantly wishing, “If only . . .”. Others by their nature view life as a vast reservoir of opportunities. Where one person sees no hope for change or growth, health or prosperity, another sees the possibilities of fruitful outcomes and fresh new ways to approach challenges and difficult dilemmas.
A scarcity mindset guards and holds on tightly to whatever they value. And it isn’t always material goods, sometimes it’s love or compassion, forgiveness or grace. I remember once looking at my first born feeling as though I could never love another child as much as I loved her. But the instant I felt my second child move in my womb the love that I had been so worried wouldn’t be enough for another child exploded into enough love for ten.
Today’s gospel is a wonderful example of the disciples’ lack of faith in the abundance of grace and compassion that Jesus brought into the world. There are times where they couldn’t imagine sharing his gift of healing with others, when they couldn’t wrap their minds around the concept of gifts such as healing and compassion multiplying when given with love and goodwill. The tangible need for food they are faced with in today’s narrative could just as easily have been the need for grace or mercy. Jesus entered a culture where grace and compassion were scarce, where mercy was deemed to be something earned not freely given. Jesus’ entire ministry focused on sharing as much love, as much compassion as there was need for, all the while teaching about a place he knew as the Kingdom of God where mercy and forgiveness could not be earned.
The real gift that can be found in seeing the possibilities that we’re surrounded by is that it opens up our world in a way that increases our ability to see those around us; to see their gifts, their attributes, their needs and their dreams. But best of all it enables us to see how we might enter into those places becoming one who sees opportunities and possibilities, sharing our gifts and becoming richer for it.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - How is it that we can become so focused on not enough rather than the possibilities that hope and grace instill? How might we shift our mindset away from the fear of scarcity to sharing those gifts we’ve been so generously given?