Overflow is life’s gentle reminder that we already have enough—and enough to share.
C.G. Thomas
We’ve all been there. Staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., wondering how we’re going to make it through the month. I know I have. Hard times are a part of the human experience; they don’t discriminate. But something I’ve learned through my own struggles and triumphs is a simple truth: we are all in this together. How we respond when we see someone else struggling says everything about who we are.
I have a couple of sayings that I live by. The first one is, “The overflow is not for you.” The second is just as simple: “If you have enough, you have enough.” These aren’t just catchy phrases; they are a philosophy. They are a reminder that when we are blessed with more than we need—whether it’s time, money, or resources—that surplus has a purpose beyond our own comfort. It’s meant to be shared.
The Problem with Comparing Scars
It’s easy to get caught in the trap of comparing struggles. We hear someone’s story and think, “You think that’s bad? Let me tell you about what I went through.” This mindset, often called “the suffering Olympics,” doesn’t help anyone. It creates division and dismisses someone else’s pain. It turns connection into competition.
We should be pulling each other up, not sizing up our scars to see whose are bigger. Your hard times don’t invalidate mine, and mine don’t invalidate yours. Pain is pain. Acknowledging that is the first step toward building a community that genuinely supports its members. Instead of comparing, what if we just listened? What if we offered a hand instead of a scorecard?
This is where empathy comes in. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It’s the simple act of putting yourself in their shoes. And here’s the most beautiful thing about it: empathy is free. It costs nothing to offer a kind word, a listening ear, or a moment of your time. Yet, its value is immeasurable. Empathy is not just a nice-to-have; it’s an imperative for a functioning, compassionate society. It’s the glue that holds us together.
Living a Life of “Enough”
Let’s talk about that second saying: “If you have enough, you have enough.” This one can be a little harder to swallow in a world that constantly tells us we need more. A bigger house, a newer car, the latest phone. But when we honestly assess our lives, many of us find that our basic needs are met. We have food, shelter, and security. We have enough.
Recognizing that you have enough is liberating. It frees you from the endless pursuit of more and opens your eyes to the needs of those around you. This is where “the overflow is not for you” kicks in. When your cup is full and starts to spill over, that overflow is meant to fill someone else’s empty cup. It’s a call to action.
This doesn’t mean you have to give away every dollar you have. Giving comes in many forms. It can be volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring a young person, donating to a cause you believe in, or simply buying groceries for a neighbor who lost their job. The overflow is about whatever you have in abundance—your time, your skills, your compassion, your resources.
A Timeless Call to Compassion
Some people might push back on this idea. I’ve even had people quote the Bible to me, saying, “Jesus said the poor will always be among us.” And they are right, he did. But I don’t believe that was a statement of defeat or an excuse for inaction. To me, it serves as a powerful, timeless reminder of our ongoing social responsibility.
It means the work is never done. It means there will always be an opportunity to show compassion, to give, and to lift someone up. It underscores the constant need for kindness and generosity in our world. It’s a call to be the hands and feet of love, today and every day. It reminds us that our duty to care for one another is perpetual.
How Will You Use Your Overflow?
Life is a mix of highs and lows for all of us. We will all face seasons of lack and seasons of abundance. When you find yourself in a season of overflow, I challenge you to ask yourself a question: What is this for?
Remember that your extra is not just for you. It’s an opportunity to make a difference, to ease a burden, to offer hope. It’s a chance to practice empathy and build a stronger, more connected community. I hope you’ve enjoyed your view into the mind of Sugar Clark.
Be Blessed!
