“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
You might be curious why I connect 2 Corinthians 9:8 to the photo of “The Galley,” a popular cafe for quick eats in the scenic harbour of Oamaru, New Zealand.
In the early 1990s, when I worked in Manila, the most affordable way to travel to my home city, Iloilo, was a 21 to 24-hour journey by a large passenger ship.
As part of its business, the shipping company departs at a time when passengers typically enjoy three to four meals during the trip.
The ship’s meals were probably not that dear for an established professional. However, I found them exorbitant as a young professional, a few years out from university, starting to build a career while saving as much money as possible.
On one of my trips from Manila to Iloilo, I unexpectedly ran into a schoolmate and friend whom I hadn’t seen since graduation. We started a conversation to catch up, and since he was also travelling alone, he quickly became my travel buddy.
When the ship announced that they were ready to serve meals, I stirred, thinking I would go to the dining area to line up and buy my dinner, probably my only meal for the whole trip.
Because we didn’t want to interrupt our conversation, my schoolmate told me, “Jonan, don’t buy any meals because I have a close friend who works at the galley. Every time I travel on this ship, I eat at the galley.”
I remembered my friend and I going down a spiral staircase to the galley, which offered abundant food.
So, each time I walk at the Oamaru Harbour and see “The Galley,” I always recall that galley experience on that particular trip from Manila to Iloilo, connecting it deeply to God’s abundant provision in His never-ending galley.
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Throughout my journey of holistic growth, I have encountered countless stories of God’s provision and guidance, which you can read about in “From Worry to Glory.”
Dear Jonan, Christ lived the life of Simplicity and Kindness. Our generation was able to grab that by its “tail”.
Sadly for the new generation, and for some in our generation, they are caught in the whirlwind and the tsunami of a new culture that worships: money, extravagance, and the meaningless pursuits of “things” to make them happy.
Our happiness is in the assurance of having God constantly on our side. I can call ourselves “Opportunists” because we use all the modern conveniences and contraptions, but we are never carried away by them.
Inside us dwells a simple spirit that seeks God and the joy and comfort his saving grace guarantee us: as we continue our sojourn in this temporary world.