Enough...

Good Morning,

Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Whenever I read these verses of Scripture it brings me back to a day when God asked me, "David, just HOW MUCH is enough?" That came at the end of a long list of complaints I had which surely showed I wasn't content with the situation I was in and that I didn't really understand the concept of enough. It also reminds me of an e-mail I received some time ago which spoke of "enough" in such a way that humbled me. So, I thought I'd copy it in here for you to think about as well. I'm sorry that I don't know the author of the following. Whether it's a true story or something someone thought of in his or her mind, it's worth reading. So, here it is:

I wish you enough

Overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said "I love you and I wish you enough."
The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom."
They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?".
"Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever good-bye?".
"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is -- the next trip back will be for my funeral" she said.
"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?".
She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone."
She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them."
Then turning toward me she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory ---
"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye."
She then began to cry and walked away.

I don't know what your "enough" might be in any area of your live. I mean, I sometimes have a problem recognizing my own "enough" of any particular thing or other. However, I do understand, for the most part, what "enough" really means. At least I understand it in my life.

Now, my prayer today is for everyone who might read these words to truly recognize "enough" in every aspect of his or her life; in everything you have and everything you might do. I pray also that everyone not go beyond that true and real concept that Paul wrote of in being content...in having enough. I truly wish the blessing of God for you in understanding what "enough" really is for you.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David