Overflow

Hi sweet sisters in Jesus--

In our recent "read thru the Bible" readings, we've read through most of Psalms and Proverbs, all of Song of Songs (whoo hoo!), and this week Ecclesiastes.  What a ride.  Are you getting wisdom yet?  Those of us in the women's "Wising Up" study are getting an incredible serving of the main course of wisdom, enjoying every bite--even the bitter-sweet ones.  I've lost count, but we have well over 20 precious ladies in this study, a few college girls even, and I'm loving it!

Life and ministry have been blessedly full lately, so I have found little time for blogging about our readings.  I have enjoyed our Sunday morning discussions and will once again look forward to that this Sunday.  But this morning, during my quiet time with Jesus, I responded to Him with a poem I felt compelled to share with you.

As some of you know, I've been reading the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  Powerful, powerful stuff.  So after my Bible reading this morning and then a little reading in that book, I wrote the following prayer/poem in my journal.  If you've read her book, you'll understand.

"Overflow"

Eucharisteo.
He must increase, I must decrease.
The best gifts are down lower and lower.
Joy.

O LORD, what are You teaching me?
Where are You taking me?
How are You shaping me?
I cannot see.
I hold Your hand and trust-walk with covered eyes, open heart.
A heart I fear is about to be pierced beyond bearing--but You know what that's like...and You bore it for me.

Home study in just three days.
Babies about to be born in jail.
Babies, toddlers, living on streets...in dirty motel rooms...in only You know where.
How did you ever get me here, LORD?
Who would have thought?

Holding homeless mama's hand in hospital before she gives birth.
Lying quiet next to precious children as they fall asleep in my home--Your home--when what they need is their own place to call "home."
When...how...did You do this in my life?
In their lives?

Intersect.
The Grace of God.

It has touched me in a new way.
Never the same.
Thank you, Jesus.
Never the same.

Empty.
I empty.
You fill.
Overflow.

love,
Julie