Devotional Message from Rev. Mary White
“You visit the earth and water it,
you greatly enrich it.”
– Psalm 65:9
MAKER OF SCARCITY?
I had recently reviewed some notes I had taken at a talk given by the late pastoral theologian Henri Nouwen. In his remarks, Nouwen spoke of the abundance of God’s love, using as a metaphor the abundance we see in creation. As an example, he described the countless number of seeds that are produced by one maple tree each year, each tree producing enough to create a forest.
Since that time, I have often been acutely aware of the contrast between our culture’s belief and our activities based on the economist’s emphasis on scarcity (the first principle of economics is the notion of scarcity; in other words, economics compares our wants and needs with our means, and the results of the choices we make).
Witness the obvious abundance in nature clearly present in the bounty of crops, hills clothed in wildflowers, seedpods falling from my wisteria, and vast overproduction of seed by other trees, shrubs, and I hesitate to mention everyone’s favourite, dandelions!
The writer of today’s psalm is suggesting that the overflowing abundance in creation is characteristic of the Creator (the author is obviously not an economist). God gives, forgives, and loves so abundantly.
As we go about our lives, mechanized, fast-paced, often at a relentless pace, trying to outrun scarcity, the holy temple that is Mother Earth demonstrates the reckless abundance and relentless love of the Creator. May we stop on this day and every day long enough to feel the holiness of the earth of which we are but one part. It is the holiness that supports our feet and, indeed, all creation. May we see and feel the abundance that surrounds us and lies within us.
Excerpt From: Betty Lynn Schwab. “Rising with the Morning Star.”
Reflective Questions
Where is there abundance in your life that you have failed to notice, perhaps in yourself, relationships, or the natural world around you? Take time to notice and write your own prayer of gratitude.
Keep safe, Keep connected.
Blessings and the strength of Love be with you.
Rev. Mary,