Have any of you ever been to a sheep farm? I have—once, as a young girl. I remember visiting my cousins in Andover, N.J. It was amazing to see all the sheep and believe me they only listened to the voice of their shepherd. I tried to get their attention but to no avail.
“The sheep hear his voice and follow Him.” It made me think; do I know and recognize the shepherd’s voice? If I do, then do I listen and follow? Have I heard the shepherd say to me “I have come so that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” For us it is right there in black and white.
As I continue to minister at the parish, I have the opportunity to meet many individuals. Wisdom and age have afforded me the gift to recognize the Gifted Givers and the Grouchy Grabbers. No matter what my challenges are, I would have to say that I have an abundant life. The question is do I realize it and give thanks for it, or do I want more? Having had some third world experience in Haiti, I must say that sometimes, ‘Less is More!’
I have seen people rejoice at receiving a pair of shoes or pants; a dress or shirt; some canned goods or a piece of candy. They are choosing to focus on the abundance, not the scarcity. Because of this intentional focus, their smile is as broad as the side of a barn!
When I look at what I have in my life, do I see the abundance, or do I have scarcity vision? Friends, I say it again, we have been blessed with abundance in our lives. The struggle is that sometimes we forget to hear the words of the Shepherd “I have come so that you may have life and have it more abundantly.”
Spend some time this week listening and then listing ALL the abundance in your life, no matter what form it takes. I think you will find yourself in a much happier and positive place. IF not, then try it for another week…practice makes perfect!
On Sunday, May 11th, we celebrate Mother’s Day and if anyone understands sharing abundantly it is a mom and mom like figures. Let us pray for them, living and deceased and thank God for their presence in our life.
May you have an abundant week!
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
