New Article: Think Abundance Not Scarcity

“There are no trees in Saskatchewan!”

I have heard that statement many times, mostly from people who moved to Estevan from places like British Columbia or northern Ontario. Compared to what they expect, Saskatchewan, and Estevan in particular, seems rather barren. However, that statement is not true. More than half the province is covered with trees. Go up north and there are trees everywhere.

A few months ago, I came across an aerial photo of Estevan from the 1950s. When I showed it to my girls, the first thing they said was, “Wow, there are no trees in that picture!” The photo looked odd to them because their understanding is that “Estevan has trees”. They see our town differently than someone who has just moved here from British Columbia. They see what is here, not what is lacking.

A scarcity mindset is dangerous because it only allows us to see what we do not have. For example, if I believe that I do not have any real friends, I will automatically overlook all the good friends that I do have and notice only those who treat me poorly.

If I could give everyone one present right now, it would be the ability to see their blessings. Even in the worst circumstances, there is something for which to be grateful and gratitude changes everything.

More than that, I would give us the ability to believe in a God who can do anything, anywhere and at any time. After all, God deals in abundance, not scarcity.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

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