The Nozzle

Walk the neighborhoods in Southern California and discover the trees dying from an extended drought or be an eyewitness to flooding in the streets of Scottsdale, Arizona, or enjoy the wonderful frequency of rain in Michigan that waters the shrubs so that underground sprinkling need not operate. 

I find a metaphor here that helps any of us consider our hearts and attitudes in times of hardship, abundance or "just enough." In any of the above situations, there is opportunity to examine ourselves. 

What happens to my heart of stewardship when through my eyes, there aren't enough finances available to express gratefulness to God through offering or charitable contribution? When abundance comes through inheritance or salary increases, do I first consider how I can distribute God's abundance to me to others in need? Does complacency take over when a steady flow of income allows me to determine an amount each year and then just "let it flow" unconsciously and without hardship?   

Circumstances certainly have a way of influencing our hearts and responses. Thanking God for his abundance in all circumstances is a challenge to the depraved heart. 

Let's commit to not turning off the nozzle on the end of the hose of flowing resources regardless of the stream of abundance we humanly observe. God doesn't stop caring and providing even when you think you don't have enough.