Abundance.

I love that word.

It evokes images of a cornucopia not only full but overflowing. I don’t picture material wealth necessarily but a wealth of that which truly matters. In my life I have been blessed with an abundance of children, the love of a husband, and faith in Jesus Christ.

“Jesus of Nazareth observed in his teachings the following:

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10.)

“The abundant life, of course, has little to do with the acquisition of material things, though there are many wonderful individuals who have been blessed materially and who use their wealth to help their fellowmen. The abundant life mentioned in the scriptures is the spiritual sum that is arrived at by the multiplying of our service to others and by investing our talents in service to God and to man.” ~ Spencer W. Kimball ~

Though abundance is associated with blessings they do not come freely. There is a price to be paid. It takes work to forget one’s self to look beyond your own problems and focus on serving others around you. I find at the times when I fail to do this I feel a lack of abundance in my own life. In fact I feel the opposite – empty. It usually happens when I get caught up in wanting this or thinking I need that. It leads to an accumulation of too much stuff. Ironically, abundance comes from simplicity.

“To measure the goodness of life by its delights and pleasures and safety is to apply a false standard. The abundant life does not consist of a glut of luxury. It does not make itself content with commercially produced pleasure, the nightclub idea of what is a good time, mistaking it for joy and happiness.

“On the contrary, obedience to law, respect for others, mastery of self, joy in service—these constitute the abundant life.” ~Thomas S. Monson

I am so thankful for this time of year which causes me to slow down, reflect on my life, make changes were necessary and realize I truly have “the abundant life.”

Read more on abundance:
In Quest of the Abundant Life
The Abundant Life
The Law of Abundance
The Abundant Life (different article than the one above)

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