Extravagance

Extravagant, adj. 1. spending much more than is necessary or wise. 2. exceeding the bounds of reason or moderation; excessive.

There is a song that I love by Casting Crowns called "Your Love is Extravagant." As I was running around town preparing for Thanksgiving, I was listening to the CD with this song on it, and it got me thinking. I don't know how it is at your house, but at mine, dinner is not an "event." If I haven't gotten to the pile of dishes in the sink, we use paper plates. I don't transfer the chicken nuggets from the cookie sheet to a platter...the cookie sheet goes on the table, nuggets and all. Milk is poured from the jug, not a special crystal pitcher. It is a red-letter day if the dinner menu has representations from the five food groups!

A Thanksgiving meal is different. By comparison, it is extravagant. We have a fall tablecloth spread over the table. Often, we will bring out the china and silver. We have a main course, several hot and cold side dishes, a relish tray, rolls, sparkling cider, and dessert. Candles are lit. It isn't just another meal, it is an extravagant feast!

This is the kind of love that Jesus has for us on a daily basis! Think about that! His love for us is abundant, special, over-the-top, lavish! We see an example of extravagant love in Mary, who poured an entire bottle of expensive perfume (worth a year's wages) on Jesus' feet and washed them with her hair. I would definitely define that as a demonstration of extravagant love! What kind of love do we have for Him? Is it a cookie sheet love or a Thanksgiving feast sort of love? That is a sobering thought for me, mainly because an honest answer means that I must admit that I'm lacking in this department.

This season, I am grateful for so many things. I am thankful for my loving husband, my beautiful, healthy children and a circle of family and friends that I can't imagine life without. Most importantly, I am thankful for the extravagant love of my Savior!