More or Enough

23Sep
The Lord rained down manna upon them to eat 
and gave them grain from heaven.
So mortals ate the bread of angels; 
he provided for them food enough.
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens 
and led out the south wind by his might.
He rained down flesh upon them like dust 
and wingèd birds like the sand of the sea.
He let it fall in the midst of their camp 
and round about their dwellings.
So they ate and were well filled, 
for he gave them what they craved.
But they did not stop their craving, 
though the food was still in their mouths.

-Psalm 78:24-30


In this Psalm (written sometime between approximately 700 and 500 BCE) we see that the people of Israel enjoy manna from heaven, yet it does not stop their craving. They want more. It makes you weep for the Almighty to see how since ancient times humanity has been craving more, more, more. Even when receiving the bread of angels the Israelites were not satisfied.  


Today our culture continues to seek more, more, more. More electronics, more clothing, more cars, Facebook, Instagram…you fill in the desire. Yet, all these things come at a cost. There is the cost to the environment of the byproducts of manufacturing and the harvesting of precious metals, and the cost to humans who work at low wages and long hours to provide us with the latest edition of more. There is also a cost to us personally as the craving for more leaves us less room for loving and being grateful to our Lord God, who so tenderly nourishes our soul. 


In this season of Caring for Creation I have been thinking about the things in my life that are constantly screaming “more!” at me and how I can reduce, if even in a small way, the footprints I leave on this earth. My father once looked at me as I was considering a purchase and he said, “Do you need it, or do you want it?” That question has stayed with me, and if I’m honest, most things in my life are wants, for I am fortunate that beyond food, clothing, shelter, and love, my actual needs are few. So, I am trying to remember this month to stop, and think twice, and to tamp down that voice of craving that can so easily whisper in my ear, “more”, and instead to listen harder for the voice in my soul that says, “enough”.


Musical Reflection

 It Is Well with My Soul (arr. Mack Wilberg) | The Tabernacle Choir


Loving God, we thank you for Your creation which is full of beauty and all the things which are necessary to feed the body and soul of your people. We pray that we may walk lightly, recognizing when our cravings exceed our need, so that we and those who come after us may continue to delight in the everlasting joy of Your creation. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

GratitudeCreationEnvironmentPentecost

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