Abundance.
What does that word mean now that I stand on foreign soil, mouth filled with a language that can’t fit under my tongue?
This summer I thought it meant the abundance of His coffers, the provision of resources from His people to enable me to complete His work. And yes, that’s true. I saw His outpouring of abundance again and again as people gave generously to the Kingdom. But now that I’m here, I’m learning a new facet of that word. Abundance in energy. In grace. In compassion and endurance and patience and love.
Because the truth is, God is not only abundant in finances. He is abundant in everything. Like a cloud heavy with rain that overflows onto thirsty fields, He generously pours out His Spirit onto those who follow Him. In the past four weeks of transition, adjustment, processing, and change, I have experienced that every day.
It is easy for me to succumb to the fear of inadequacy. What if I'm not a good enough teacher, a good enough communicator, a good enough reflection of God to those I'm serving? What if I don't have enough energy to love my preschool students well? But the bottom line is that it doesn't rely on me, on what strength or endurance I can muster on my own. Instead, I can lean into His strength and endurance that won't run dry.
I have been studying Psalm 65 since my arrival, and one verse has been a theme of this season: You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. (Ps. 65:11, NKJV)
In a land that is so hot and bare and dry, the imagery of that verse is even more stark and beautiful. His paths are dripping with abundance. Not just a few trickles here and there. When I'm parched and dry and run-down from stumbling over Arabic and pushing through another lesson plan, I can drench myself in His abundance.
The past four weeks have been wonderful, rich and overflowing with growth and discovery. In the months ahead, I look forward to watching His abundance continue to pure.