Hammer on Anvil '

"I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly" (John 10:10).

What do you think of when you hear the words "abundant life"? For some it may mean long life -- a literal abundance of years. For others it may mean abundant possessions and wealth. Still others may think of a life of doing only what they enjoy, whether that be travel or sports or education.

For those who believe in Jesus, every day can overflow with abundant life. Even seemingly ordinary days become far from ordinary when they are infused with the life of Christ. Days spent cleaning and doing laundry. Days when your kids are sick and you think you will run screaming from the house if you have to clean up any more vomit or change any more dirty diapers. Days at work that seem humdrum, with nothing new on the horizon.

Genuine life always reproduces. Psalm 1 says this about anyone who delights in the Lord and meditates on His law day and night:

He is like a tree planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

Everything we do can be a sacrament if we do it with the proper perspective. When we keep in mind that we belong to God, and allow His life to pour through us and touch others, life is not ordinary. When we are in tune with Him and listen for His voice throughout the day, He will give us opportunities to love and serve others on His behalf.