Abundance

 Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23

We live in a world of scarcity. There is not enough we are told about everything and anything. Even this parable of the Sower. 

When I was younger all the sermons about this concentrated on what kind of seed are you? They never explored how God was up there just throwing all this seed out. They limited it. If God's word is to be a light to our feet and path is this all there is to this?

How do you recognize the gifts of abundance around you? Do you take time at the end of the day to see where the seeds are thrown and scattered? Do you give thanks for this?

This is the thing, every story we look at was meant to show us how we limit. Jacob and Esau, for instance, only one birthright, only one inheritance, so Jacob tricks Esau out of his. Because God couldn't possibly want more. And what does this story show us if we follow it to the end? The depth of forgiveness someone can offer when we refuse to see God's abundance.

What are the things of abundance right in front of you? Maybe the butterflies coming out and seeing them fly. Maybe being able to be fed and not worry where your next meal is coming from. Maybe it is in having a job, or having your health, or being able to get up and walk. 

We had someone who when they were dying with cancer decided every day beginning at 5pm was happy hour. Whoever showed up sat and had a drink with them and enjoyed the conversation and wine. Such a small thing and such a big gift. 

When we live out of abundance we realize there is more than enough to go around and more than enough to share. We don't limit where or when God is out there spreading seeds we just see them fall and spread out in loveliness around us. 

Living out of scarcity does us no favors. We begin to see less and les of a future, we see that there is never enough, and we miss all the lovely beginnings God is scattering around us.

Jesus never said, "Don't be like this seed." or "Don't get caught in this soil." The wonder of the parable is the Sower recklessly spreading the seed about. Not caring where it lands, not caring if it will come to be, but just letting it all go out.  

Let it all go. Find your gifts surrounding you and you will find the gifts God has given. Richly and abundantly blessing your life.