Life Unscripted

So here I sit by the light of our Christmas tree with an overstuffed belly after a long day of cooking, eating, celebrating, more cooking and even more eating.

The kitchen is clean. There are no more growling bellies. The laughter has subsided and all the littles ones have gone to bed. #sleepoversuccess

And here I sit. In the quiet stillness of this moment. With a smile on my face.

Staring at the Direct TV emblem bouncing across the screen from being on pause, my mind wanders. And I feel sick to my stomach. But this was not from the turkey.

We. Are. So. Full. Yet we always crave more.

As a nation, we are so richly and unbelievably blessed. Blessed so much. Beyond measure. Yet we are never satisfied.

We are thankful in the weeks leading up to this glorious Turkey Day and before the day is over, we are no longer in a spirit of thanksgiving, but we are suddenly lacking.

Lacking the newest model TV. Lacking the coolest new game system. Lacking those killer bath towels worth waiting an hour and fighting over in the store. Lacking the toys that are all the rage this year and our kids just have to have them.

What happened to our attitude of gratitude?

We are so pleasantly plump with material things that many times we forget there are others who are in need around us.

The lady at work who has been drowning in medical bills from her sick husband. The couple down the street who lost their precious newborn to an unknown illness. The friend who is always quiet when we rant about our newest gadgets because they can’t afford to pay their electric bill this month.

There is a verse in 1 Corinthians 8:9 that warns us not to allow our freedoms to hinder others. We must be careful.

I’m not saying having things is wrong and sinful. But I am asking us to take a self inventory and ask ourselves this question – Am I too caught up in my things to notice the needs of others?

My heart is so burdened tonight that there are people in our own neighborhoods who are struggling while we overindulge. I am so full, it’s ridiculous. And not just from too many plates of Thanksgiving deliciousness.

Here’s a thought provoking game changer. Could we spare to go without in order to bless someone else? Could it be that God has so richly blessed us so that we can in return reach out and bless someone else?

I had a sweet lady tell me today that her kids have always invited others over for dinner. {And today we were the ones who received that invitation to Thanksgiving lunch.} They always had plenty. She always cooked plenty because she never knew when someone extra would join them.

Her words penetrated my heart. “I truly believe God has richly blessed us so that we can bless others. I have never turned anyone away from my home when they were in need of anything.”

Oh how I want to be that woman. I want my home to always be open to those in need. One day it may be a financial need. The next it could be a need for prayer. The next it could be a need for food. Maybe just the simplicity of a consoling hug or inviting them in for a cup of coffee.

One thing is for sure, God knows the needs and He will send them our way if we are willing to do something about it. He often provides through the hands of an obedient heart.

Could He be asking you to open your home? Your heart? Maybe your place of business?

I pray we don’t miss an opportunity! Let’s shift the focus to others and watch what God can do through you!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Have you experienced God’s blessings and been able to provide something for someone else in need? Chime in below!

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Live Life Unscripted,
❤ Brittany

Happy Thanksgiving! I pray you've had a blessed time with family and friends!