Lessons from a Baby: Abundance

Not to brag about my kid, but he amazes me with his generosity. He always wants to share. Whether it's a cup of water, a toy, or a small handful of coveted chocolate chips, he loves offering some to whoever happens to be around.  The funny thing is, I never consciously tried to teach him to share.  We do share things with him, so he sees our example, but I think that there is another factor that also encourages him to be generous - he believes that there is plenty for everybody.

In contrast, our whole culture is structured around the idea of scarcity.  Deep down, we don't believe there is enough for everybody.  So we horde our money, we buy more than we need, we keep to ourselves because we're afraid.  If we are too generous we might not have enough for ourselves.  If we run out of what we need there won't be any more for us when we need it.  The message all around us is subtle but strong - take what you can, because there isn't enough.

But Steven hasn't learned that yet.  As far as he is concerned, there is never-ending abundance.  His cup can always be refilled, his toy basket is always full of toys, and there is always enough to eat, even of special treats like chocolate chips.

I hope that he never learns scarcity.

You see, I believe that scarcity is a lie.  Of course, there are limited resources in the world, and we need to respect that and use those resources wisely.  But the message of scarcity is that we need to grab whatever we can for ourselves, without regard for the earth or anyone else around us.  It promotes selfishness and greed.  The sad thing is, it's kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, because there certainly isn't enough for everyone to be living like that!  But ultimately, it is a perspective that is rooted in fear.  We believe that we are alone in the world, and that there is no one looking out for us but ourselves.

But our God is not a God of scarcity - he is a God of abundance!  He provides all that we need, and more.  We aren't supposed to worry about how we will live, since God knows what we need and he provides for us (Check out Matthew 6:25-34).

I know that many would protest, "But what if he doesn't provide?  Look at these different situations.  That doesn't look like God providing!"  I know.  I see those situations too.  But here are a couple thoughts.  In North America, it is very rare to actually be without physical necessities.  But because we are surrounded by so much, it is easy for our definition of what we "need" to become warped.  A lot of what we feel like we need may be things that are nice to have, but aren't actually things that we truly need.

Also, while God can and does provide in miraculous ways, even today, often his ways of providing are much more commonplace.  For example, God provides for us through others.  We are not alone.  God designed us to live in community, surrounded by family and friends.  And it is often through those around us that God provides for us.  But because of our scarcity mindset, we are often hesitant to give up what we have, which can mean that someone else is going without.  Our very fear of lack can be what causes lack for others, promoting a cycle of fear and selfishness.  But that is not the life that our abundant God has called us to!

Yes, there are places and situations in the world where people struggle to get what they need to survive, but for most of us that is not the case.  We have more than enough.  But we have to choose whether to have a mindset of abundance or scarcity.  With Steven, let's live lives of abundance and share what we have been given - even the chocolate chips.

The Cake Stand

As someone who loves story and loves history, I have always found family history fascinating.  Hearing the personal stories of the people we know who have lived longer than us is a powerful window into the time of history that they lived through, as well as a glimpse into what has shaped and influenced them throughout their lives.

But sometimes we don't think to ask, or it seems awkward or nosy.  And sometimes there are stories they won't tell, or can't tell.

I've been thinking lately about the loss of those untold stories, and have been wanting to express that sadness.  With the recent passing of my Grandma, I thought that this would be an appropriate time.

The symbol I use to represent the stories of those who have passed is a cake stand.  My Grandma's father ran a store in Victoria, known as "Pop Palmer's".  I've always wished I could go back in time and see what it was like in that store.  I know that there are still people living who could tell me more about it, but the only real connection I've had to that old store is a cake stand that my parents have that used to be in the display window of my Great-Grandpa's store.  For me that cake stand represents a past that is slowly slipping away, even out of memory.  A bittersweet reminder of the stories that are being lost.


The Cake Stand

I stand before the corner store
The sign is faded above the door
Weathered paint chips and fades
Once bright colours now grown dim.

I pull my sweater tight
Cold wind tugs at my hair
Leaves blow by in the deserted street
The year is spent and tired.

Inside glowing light beckons
The door refuses my hand's advance
Time is a lock that cannot be undone
I know I cannot enter.

I squint and peer through the frosted glass
Seeking a glimpse of what I will never know
There in the window display
I see a cake stand.

Beyond, my vision fades and blurs
Shadows of barrels and shelves
Milling figures examine the wares
Children stand on tiptoe to reach penny candy.

Bells chime as customers enter
Muffled voices carry laughter and gossip
The smell of tea and spices floats on the air
My mind explores what may have been.

The vision fades from my eyes
Replaced by creaking boards rattling in the wind
One more longing glance through the window
Before I turn to go

I see a cake stand.

Family Update and an Unnecessary Apology

I can hardly believe that it's almost a month since I have posted anything on my blog!  I have really missed writing, but the past weeks have been so chaotic and exhausting that I just haven't had the time or energy.  I'm sorry that I've let this blog slip for so long, but thank you for your continued support and encouragement!

We have moved out of our little townhouse and are now renting a real house, with four bedrooms and a yard.  The process of moving is exhausting, as I'm sure many of you know, and moving with a little one and while pregnant and with a husband who has a very busy work schedule... to be honest, it was overwhelming!  But we had several friends who did so much to help us out, and we are finally moved, and (for the most part) settled.  Our new place is on a pretty busy road, but thankfully we are shielded by a big hedge, and we have a yard now where Steven can play and where I can plant a garden.  The house could rightly be called a "character house".  It's old, and hasn't had many updates, but it is charming and will do the job quite well.  My favourite things about our new place are that we have a reading nook at the top of the stairs, and that real sunshine comes in our windows!

With all of the tiredness and stress of the past month, I've been feeling pretty low.  Even now, as things are settling down, I know it will take a while for me to get back to "normal".  But today I am thankful for many little blessings, like getting to spend time outside in the sun today, beginning to work on what will be a part of my garden. 

The little life I am carrying is 24 weeks old now, and I am enjoying his/her kicks and somersaults, though not enjoy the gradually increasing aches, pains and heartburn that come along with my growing belly.

Steven is 16 months old, and already wearing 24 month clothes!  He's learning new words all the time, is becoming proficient at going up and down stairs, and recently started giving hugs!  He loves playing with his soccer ball, or any other kind of ball, and he is getting really good at entertaining himself, especially if he has access to magnets, rocks, or water of some sort.  He loves animals, music, books, and being outside. 

Story time

Enjoying the Tulip Festival

Playing with Daddy

Our little musician

Exploring the great outdoors

Bedhead :)