Give and It will be given to you

“Give and It will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 6:38

Have you ever been consumed with yourself? Your plans and of course your way? Unwilling to see the others point of view and allow your ego and pride to reign?

I find this all to be true, daily!

We flew out on Thursday evening in March for a long awaited adventure to Costa Rica. We got on the plane and took off into the night sky, tired from a long week at work and school not to mention we were hungry!

 ALL of a sudden there we were and our character defects suddenly were exposed…. OUCH!  “I thought, this is not fun at all” the kids are complaining, electronics are not working properly and of course the temperature was not exactly right on the plane, not to mention we were at the back of the plane and it was FULL. Each one of us played a role in focusing solely on self, forget the other people or persons, I want what I want and I want it now!

Does this Sound familiar? Have you ever felt this way? Unwilling to see the other’s perspective?

The scripture is a gentle reminder that when we stay focus on self, we are thinking, believing ONLY what is best for self and no one else is part of that process.  Our output into the universe is “YUCKY,” and our insides scream!!  The scream can be so loud that it causes us to truly believe, pass judgement and hold resentments. The scripture says that a "good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap.”

Here is my challenge to you, what is your good measure? What is being poured into your lap?

 In these moments, I have to make the choice to reach out beyond myself and extend a kind word or hand to the next human, whether it be my husband, kids or neighbor. I have to decide to let go of judgments and resentments, be vulnerable with my feelings and ask God to remove my character flaws for today!

Father, I thank you that “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” perfect in your eyes, despite our own view of self.  Lord we ask today, that you give us eyes to see and ears to really hear the “heartbeat” of those around us. Father, extend strength and compassion to us, so that we can look within and admit we are in need of your grace that flows like a river.  Father, forgive us that we tend to stay focused on self, help us reach out and look up!!!

In your precious name Jesus, we pray, Amen

 Scripture for today,

 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Matthew 16:24 ESV

-Elizabeth Bowman