Deacon Victor Parrott
Acts 3:6 (NRSV)

⁶But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Stand up and walk.”

What Do You Have? 

At one point in my life, I bemoaned the fact that I did not come from a family that “had something.” There was no estate to inherit or trust fund; not even a used car. On one of the occasions when I was feeling sorry for myself, God intervened as only God can do. The manner in which I heard God was something like this, “Fool quit thinking about what you don’t have and think about what you do have!” It was at that point that I thought about my mother. Because she was a single parent with little formal education, she was unable to provide much in the way of material goods. However, because of her, I have Jesus. She instilled in me and my siblings an awareness of Jesus. What better gift could she have given?

Today’s scripture reminded me to look at the glass as being half full; a point that was driven home by my pastor who once said in a sermon, “Quit looking at what you don’t have and look at what you do have.” So, if you’re tempted to reflect regrettably on what you lack, consider what others have provided for you. If that’s not enough, just look at the cross.

Prayer 

Loving and giving God, help us to look away from the emptiness that is sometimes a part of our lives so that we can see the fullness that comes from You. Amen.

Thought for the day 

What DO you have?