The "More" You Already Have

One of my favorite parts of toddlerhood is the blossoming vocabulary. From cries and grunts, to syllables, then sentences. My almost fifteen-month-old now says over a dozen words, including her favorites:

“Daa-daa,” “ni-nite,” “kitty,” “juice,” “buh-bye” and, topping the list, “more.”

Several weeks ago my little talker was enjoying a feast of her favorite snacks at Nana’s house and, despite having two fists full of food, she looked straight at “her” box of goodies and said… you guessed it, “More! More!”

I looked on as my patient and wise mother-in-law tapped her finger on baby girl’s chubby hands and said, “Look—look at the “more” you already have!”

I chuckled, at first, but was taken aback by the sudden sting of conviction.

You see, like my little princess, I so often I find myself focusing on the things I feel that I lack, or that I deserve, instead of appreciating what I already possess— the “more” I already have.

While my kids are outspoken about their wishes and wants, to be honest, I sometimes hide mine under a guise of humility and contentment that doesn’t truly exist.

I think the struggle in this area is real for all of us. We say, “Jesus is enough!” and use #blessed, but inside we want, we wait…

For those new clothes, or nicer car (that product we feel will solve all our problems).

For the next child, or that next stage of life that, surely, is the answer to our restlessness.

For a bigger house or a bigger paycheck… because bigger is better, right?


Friends, let’s cut to the chase: I do believe that God truly desires to bless us. Abundantly.

But all the while I think he’s saying to me— to us, “Look at the ‘more’ you already have.”  It’s convicting. It’s perspective-shifting.


I believe that the path to contentment begins when we shift our focus to what is already in our possession.

Let’s gaze at the photos on our walls and appreciate the beautiful, awesome family that God has hand-designed for us.

When we catch a glimpse of those dirty dishes in the sink, let’s send up a prayer of gratitude for the food that He has graciously provided, again.

And as we struggle to hide toys, clothes and other miscellaneous nick-knacks, moments before company arrives, let us thank Him for the excess we so often complain about.

When we practice intentional gratitude for the blessings we’ve been given, our voices drown out the greed that threatens to devour our contentment.

As we delight ourselves in the Lord, spending time in His presence, in joy and thanksgiving, our selfish desires will begin to mold to His perfect desire for our lives (which has a lot more to do with His mission than our heaping up for ourselves).

Friends, what is the “more” you already have today?
Think on that. Even more-- write them down.
I bet once you get started you won’t be able to stop!

Today, let your heart be overwhelmed by God’s grace, generosity and provision in your life—the “more” you already have.


Word of the Day:
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21


Prayer:
Father, Thank you for all of the blessings you have lavishly given me— most of all, the gift of your Son, Jesus. You are so good, so generous and ever-faithful. Help me not to become tangled up in the web of “want,” but to find my delight and contentment in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Author:  Katie Gibson

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