And Blessings Overflowed | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: And Blessings Overflowed | Previous Challenge Entry
By Diane M. Bowman
09/04/14
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I found the position awkward, needing to dip my head over so far. My neck had a decided kink and my shoulders were sore. Not only was it relatively painful but the need to be so uncouth struck me as quite embarrassing.

The one who filled my cup apparently had been distracted for he had poured in an overabundance of liquid. It spilled over the edges of the vessel and ran down the sides into my saucer. I sat and considered the best method to drink it and could hardly find one. If I lifted the cup, I’d spill it, drip liquid everywhere, and then have no place to set it down because the saucer was so full the tiniest motion would cause it to overflow as well.

As a result, I found myself leaning over and sucking the fluid out of my saucer. What a nuisance! Surely, he could have paid more attention. After all, I looked around the table and saw others with hardly anything in their cups. They were tipping them up and straining to get a drop or two. Some had received as much liquid as I, but the looks on their faces made it quite evident that what they tasted was impossibly bitter and unappetizing. Still others were sitting with their arms crossed and would not drink from the vessel placed in front of them.

As I sat and grumbled, I noticed something new. My portion of drink was beginning to vanish without me taking even one sip. I glared at those around me. Someone must be draining it out. I scrutinized this person and that. I watched their every move to be sure they didn’t steal a sip from my cup. Placing my arms around it and hunching over, I guarded it against any attempt at pilfering. No one made it past my barrier and yet I watched in despair as the level of fluid sank lower and lower.

Then, I remembered the one who filled it in the beginning. I cried out, “Father, what has happened? Pour out your blessings again.”

He looked at me and said, “My child, you have learned that I am wise, merciful, and just. You have seen the wicked receive snares, fire, brimstone, and a horrible tempest as their portion. Therefore, you sought my mercy and instead of a curse, you received a cup filled with mercy, blessing, and salvation. Yet, I didn’t give you an overflowing bounty so you could guard and protect it. I intended for you to share with those who lacked. Will you show mercy where you have received mercy?”

I turned to him in confusion. What did he expect me to do? My drink had nearly disappeared. I had so very little left; how could I share anything now?

Then, I noticed the person beside me had nothing at all. I lifted my cup from my now bare saucer and studied the last three drops. With tears in my eyes, I poured those last drops in my neighbor’s cup and set mine back down. I dropped my head into my hands and cried.

As I mourned the loss of blessings, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Looking up, I saw my friend’s cup gushing over. I turned to mine and to my surprise, once again mercy, blessing, and salvation overflowed.

Now, I drink from the saucer with gratitude and joy. I no longer view it as my cup and my saucer. They and their contents belong to my loving Father. I pick up that cup and look around to see who might need a little blessing from it. I no longer worry about how it looks, where it drips, or if it spills.

You see, I learned a lesson – God will multiply what I share of the blessings he gives to me, even when I fumble, bumble, and appear uncouth.

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Inspired by Michael Combs’ song ‘Drinking From My Saucer’ and the following scriptures: Psalm 11:6 KJV, Psalm 116:13 KJV, 1 Corinthians 10:16 KJV, Isaiah 55:11 KJV, 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 KJV, Jeremiah 25:28 KJV

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