The Miracle of Multiplying

No, please don't read TOO much into the title of this post...it is definitely NOT a reference to the 'be fruitful and multiply' sort of multiplication, as miraculous as that may be... :)

Today's title comes from the writings of the author, Ann Voskamp, who helped inspire this journey of journaling. Her book, 'One Thousand Gifts,' graces the bedside table and is read and re-read in the attempts to let the Truth become a reality in this life.

Tonight, in the quiet, a message leaps off the page.

First, a reference, John 6:11,

"Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted."

She writes, "Jesus embraces His not enough...He gives thanks...and there is more than enough. More than enough!"

The giving of thanks precedes the miraculous.

"...slow time down with all your attention - and your basket of not-enough-time multiplies into more than enough time...

The real problem of life is never a lack of time. The real problem of life...is lack of thanksgiving."

My soul nods in agreement. This life of mine has born witness, has unknowingly experienced this very thing. The giving of thanks precedes the miraculous.

Longing for more, the choice is made. There WILL be thanks given in my 'not enough' - in the not enough of time, of wisdom, of patience, of grace. In the not enough of mothering, nurturing, understanding, relating. No matter the circumstance, there will be thanks. Hope stirs - He can be enough when I am not.

"Thanksgiving creates abundance; and the miracle of multiplying happens when I give thanks - take the just one loaf, say it is enough, and give thanks - and He miraculously makes it more than enough."

The miracle of multiplying.

151. Forgiveness for thoughtless words spoken.

152. Starting back to school and work on time.

153. Text messages from a special friend.

154. Inspiration from Godly leadership.

155. A project that can wait.

156. Lunch prepared and provided by loving hands.

157. Green jelly beans.

158. News of a field trip that takes place on my day off!

159. Making dinner with my son.

160. Kisses blown at bedtime after more harsh words are spoken.