Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Our Cups Overflow with Love

LVIII.
MY CUP OVERFLOWS
(5/13)

My cup overflows…(Psalm 23:5)

Whenever I reflect on the line “my cup overflows,” my mind turns to the song “My Cup Overfloweth with Love” from the musical “I Do, I Do,” which portrays fifty years of a marriage. When Agnes asks Michael if he’s disappointed, he sings “My Cup Runneth Over with Love.” In all the ups and downs of a long term relationship, he can honestly say “thank you, for the life we’ve had together. It wasn’t always easy, but it was good.”

Looking at his life – at the skirmishes, failures, conflict, and imperfection of it all – the Psalmist, quite possibly King David, affirms God has been good to me, and God’s love overflows giving me peace amid the storm. In the darkest valley, I am still blessed, David admits.

Our lives are blessed. As I look out my living room window, sitting in my arts and crafts recliner, coffee and books beside me, and preparing to go for my sunrise walk after I finish this piece, I know how blessed I am. I give thanks – for family, marriage, talents and gifts, the chance to teach and write, and the opportunity to be your pastor. As chaotic as it is, I am grateful to be able to homeschool and be with my grands daily. And, I am thankful for you. My cup overflows with love.

As my life overflows, I feel a calling, even though I am still sheltering in place, to work toward a world in which everyone can affirm “my cup overfloweth with love.” This has inspired my support of our open and affirming process, ministries with the homeless, and growing concern for our responsibilities to undocumented residents, most of whom are currently employed on farms and packing plants ensuring that I have food on my table. God’s wants you to overflow with love, and God wants everyone else to overflow with love.

Let us give thanks and then, even from our homes, plan ways to truly support abundant life for all God’s children.
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Loving God, when I look at my life, my cup overflows with love and gratitude. I am grateful for all the gifts I have received, that you have lavished on me through teachers, friends, marriage, family, work, and creativity. I pray that you give me – and all of us – a heart for service and justice-seeking so that all your children might find joy and comfort on this good earth. Amen.