A surplus of leftovers was stacked in my fridge. So precariously, in fact, my thoughts of unpacking the milk for morning cereal caused me to settle for dry toast with a smidge of jelly snatched from one of a dozen jars in the door. I had no time to risk the probable avalanche, nor the energy to rearrange the fridge’s chilly interior before my first cup of Java Joe kicked in.
Yesterday, I pushed back from a Thanksgiving table laden with ham, turkey, giblet gravy, and dressing with all the trimmings, and vowed never to eat again. Now, before the dawn’s early light has broken, and with only the light of the refrigerator piercing the morning darkness, my bleary-eyed glimpse of Tom Turkey and a half-eaten pumpkin roll causes me to eagerly anticipate my next meal.
Leftovers are rarely considered choice fare. But for the Canaanite woman, seen only as a “dog” and deemed unworthy of anything more, even leftovers were desirable. Desperation regarding her daughter’s illness seized her soul as she pushed past the self-righteous glares of the crowd and fell humbly at the feet of the Master. Jesus sat silent. A sense of smugness must have engulfed the disciples as Jesus’ initial reaction appeared to validate their deeply embedded beliefs of superiority. Little did they know, a few incisive words from Jesus would quickly extract their shallow roots.
Undaunted by Jesus’ alleged indifference, the Canaanite woman voiced her unwavering hope. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Jesus replied, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” Her daughter was immediately healed. Jesus came to save this pharisaical community; yet, most blindly looked on in self-righteous indignation. In contrast, the outcast woman believed even a single word or touch from the Master would be enough to restore her daughter’s life.
This morning, as I munch on my meager toast with an abundance of food piled high in my fridge, I question if I take for granted all I have while feeling entitled to more. Do I humbly receive whatever God desires to give me, knowing that even scraps from His hand will bring more healing to my bones than the surplus of leftovers stacked in my fridge?
It is not what we receive, but the spirit with which we receive that brings the results we desire, and the surplus sounds of thanksgiving our Master longs to hear.
(Photo courtesy of office.microsoft.com.)
(For more devotions, visit www.christiandevotions.us.)
Starr Ayers is a third-generation artist, writer, and speaker. The mother of a daughter with Down syndrome, her heart is to encourage the acceptance of those with life-challenging disabilities and to inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness in Christ. Starr is a contributor to the book Hopelifter: Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts and is published monthly in Thrive magazine. Connect with Starr at http://bringinglifeintofocus2.blogspot.com, or starrayers@triad.rr.com.