Maybe it is familiar to you…

Maybe it haunts you at the grocery store, when you park your car…

Maybe it confronts you as you scroll through social media, or when you look at your bank statement…

 

The nagging thought that you just don’t have enough: friends, money, job opportunities, space in your house, or rows in your car. In spite of what you DO have, you just know you’ll be happy with a little bit more. My husband refers to this as the “buffet mentality”—it’s available, so why not go ahead and get more…even if your stomach (or credit) is maxed out. The mentality of more focuses on what we don’t have.

 

Make no mistake-I’m preaching to myself here. As I sat and finished my bible reading today, I heard my voice offer this prayer—“Who am I, Lord? I am not a writer, because you haven’t given me many words to say. I think I’m a teacher, but I am without an assignment. Help me seek you and be content in your presence. Give me the strength to enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow.”

 

The other day, as I was flipping through one of the social media sites, a deep tugging came over my heart. Without warning, I didn’t feel important enough; well liked enough–valued enough…what I didn’t have seemed augmented in my mind. In that moment, after a few thoughts about breaking up with all social media, I realized the mentality of more had robbed me of the joy of my daily provision.

 

Reading through the book of  Ezekiel, one line kept repeating, and I felt like it was speaking to the mentality of  more. “Then they will know that I am the LORD.” The rhythm of the book is that people groups drifted away from being devoted to the Lord, grew proud or arrogant in their own accomplishments, and then ultimately were positioned for destruction. After the threat of destruction, the words “Then they will know…” are recorded. Again and again.

 

It’s embarrassing to admit this, but in this rhythm I felt like my heart was being confronted. What things caused me to drift away from the Lord? What accomplishment was elevated above God? What had I “done” that seemed so wonderful? I say with my lips that I want to know God, but am I too caught up in the mentality of more? Am I missing the very things I cry out for because I won’t let the provision of today be ENOUGH?

 

I don’t need more square footage. I don’t need another pair of designer jeans. I don’t need my name on a marquis. A larger TV, or a crazy expensive handbag won’t fill the longing in my heart. More is a lie and I’m tired of running on its hamster wheel! What I need is thanksgiving-which focuses on what I do have. More moves my attention to tomorrow, while thanksgiving keeps my heart and mind rooted in the blessings of today.

 

I have a God that has redeemed my rebellious heart and life. He not only redeemed my life that was set for destruction, He invited me to get to know Him, personally.

I have a husband that loves me more than I understand.

I have children that reflect God’s love so well.

I have a home, a car…you get the idea.

 

Today I’m pausing long enough to say that it’s all ENOUGH. I’m convinced it’s here—in this place–that I will gain a little more understanding that He is the Lord.

 

May my heart be full of hope, my lips full of gratitude, my mind guarded against the mentality of more, and my heart set on things above. I hope the same for you!

 

(Photo credit: 2become.tumbler.com)

 

It’s your turn to share…What do you do to combat the mentality of more?