
A Lesson in Abundance
All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)
He said: “Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.”—2 CHRONICLES 6:14 (NIV)
I tell myself I don’t need to call. I try sitting, going for a walk, eating crackers and peanut butter. I tell myself, “If I can hold on for a few hours, everything will be okay.” It doesn’t work, though, and as a last resort, I call my husband, Jean-Claude, at work.
“I’m not okay,” I tell him.
“Did you take a half of a pill?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say. “It’s not helping. I can’t do it.”
“I’ll cancel my meeting and come home.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ll be home as soon as I can,” he says and hangs up.
The medication eventually puts me to sleep. When I wake up, my husband is in the kitchen making french fries. He knows I feel guilty for disrupting him at work, so he makes one of my favorite foods to reassure me he isn’t mad. He always makes it clear that he doesn’t blame me for having schizophrenia or an anxiety disorder.
God, please help me to show compassion, love, grace and mercy as you show me these traits in your treatment toward me and others.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)