Three Overflows

November 11, 2019 by  
Filed under Daily Devotions, Family

By Robin J. Steinweg –

1. A fizzy hissing in the background crescendos within seconds to a fizzy, hissy crackling. A nasty odor assaults the nostrils before my frantic rush can prevent its cause. It’s not the first time I forgot to set the timer on the stove! Now breakfast is over—over the pot, the burner, the counter, the floor…

2. I see it coming and I leap to prevent it—the action switches to slow motion. My toddler has developed the strength and dexterity to remove the lid from a jar of pickled beets (a feat I have yet to master without benefit of a crowbar). A distant voice (my own) cries, “N-n-n-n-n-n-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!” I dive (still in slow-mo) like a 275-pound receiver to catch the 12 ounces of Red-Stain-in-a-Bottle before the contents hit the floor. In seconds it, too, is over—over the table, the high chair, the beige carpet and me.

3. Like the jar of pickled beets, I am emptied. I wait. I set no timer. My Bible lies on my lap, still open to the passage I have read. I sense a crescendo of joy bubbling up into awe, gratitude and praise. I don’t rush to prevent it spilling over—over me, under me, around me—I dive deeper. I am a different kind of receiver today. This overflow will result in a sweet fragrance. It can cleanse the deepest stain. No chaos or mess this time.

The Spirit of God fills me to overflowing. In this way, He slakes the thirst, satisfies the hunger and meets the needs of those around me.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, empty me of myself and fill me to overflowing with Yourself: Your Word, Your way, Your life. Spill out to bless those around me. I ask in Jesus’ name to be a fragrant offering to You.

BIBLE VERSE: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint me with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:5-6 NIV).

About Robin Steinweg

Today’s devotional is by Robin J. Steinweg. Robin’s life might be described using the game Twister: the colored dots are all occupied, limbs intertwine (hopefully not to the point of tangling), and you never know which dot the arrow will point to next, but it sure is fun getting there!
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Comments

2 Responses to “Three Overflows”
  1. Lori Lipsky says:

    Given a choice, I’d choose overflow #3. Definitely not #2!

    But now I’m curious. Do you like pickled beets??

    Thanks for the encouragement today.

  2. Robin J. Steinweg says:

    Thanks for reading, Lori. Curiosity has been said to have certain effects… however, you’re not a cat, so it’s safe to tell you that I like pickled beets. Not wildly, but mildly. And I choose #3, too! #’s 1 and 2 are more palatable in the past than in the present!

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