The Samford Crimson

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Brittany Raymond Illustrated by Brittany Raymond | The Samford Crimson

We have finally reached the middle of November (hallelujah!). Leaves are everywhere, fall jackets are out of the closet, and the turkey cannot come out of the oven soon enough.

Somehow, this time of year serves as a constant reminder of how easily I take all I have for granted. Just the pure experience of being a college student is a drop in my ocean of life blessings.

"Do I look fat?" I ask myself. But, this time, the question has no association with my outward appearance - so don't speak too soon.

This "size" issue to which I refer does not deal with gut size, jean size or how much food you ate yesterday. The issue is about the fullness we feel from the long buffet line of life.

Most foreigners probably agree that Americans have been given more clothing, more food and more shelter than anyone could ever need. To eat and eat a lot is the American way.

However, our hunger goes beyond these life necessities. Every once in a while, our diets go into spiritual, material and social binges. In this so-called "hefty" American society, there is no doubt that each of us has our own areas of unintentional weight problems.

I personally have had my fair share of seven-course meals. Just this morning, I woke up, got in my car and bought a delicious Big Sky muffin for breakfast.

Not for one moment did I remember to say, "Lord, first of all, thank you for waking me up, not to mention giving me a car and a satisfying breakfast."

Instead, I took every single morsel for granted. Man, it is hard to even think about breaking the routine of always having and wanting more.

In addition, it is not a negative practice to go to church every night of the week. If anything, it is a blessing to have so much freedom and opportunity.

I think the problem begins when we allow ourselves to get so spiritually filled that we can no longer fit into the "outfit" of disciples - meaning, we stop sharing the gospel with others and perhaps attend the feast alone.

I want so badly for others, even those just outside Samford's gates, to experience at least one of the worship services we have been offered during our time at Samford.

My cup has "runneth over" countless times due to those believers who decided to share their hope and joy with me instead of keeping it to themselves. They eat what they need and leave satisfied.

Ironically, this analogy is strongly reflected in the celebration of the upcoming holidays. Just the thought of pumpkin pie and green bean casserole sends me into a hunger trance for the rest of the day. Nonetheless, it is a gift to associate these days with fullness, peace and pleasure.

In the simple act of buying Christmas gifts, we find very few items fitting the "need" category. I'll be honest - my Christmas list has nothing of true need on it except maybe some new socks.

No, we didn't decide where we live or the life we were given, but we can decide how we live it. Will we walk up to the buffet line and fill our plates to the brim? Or will we take what we need and allow others to enjoy the feast?

So, when we are sitting on our couches at home or at a friend's dinner table, feeling as full as a tick, remember the many small blessings strategically given to us.

May this season begin with satisfied appetites and lips salted with words of gratefulness. Enjoy your break!

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