It is a Biblical saying meaning that I have more than enough for my needs. It is appropriate imagery for wine writing, is it not? At this time of year if feels especially poignant. As we enter into Thanksgiving week, as we are bombarded by imagery of those in unthinkable situations, we are reminded of how much we have.

It is also an image that can have other connotations as a mother. A cup that is running over means a mess to clean up. One more spill, one more unexpected interruption.

It can relate to our calendars. So full of obligations and distractions, the abundance becomes a burden. We say yes even as we feel our necks stiffen under pressure. We say no to things that we know would fill our hearts because we are too busy.

We look for things to fill our cups, more and more, instead of doing the work of fixing the cracks so not so much is needed to satisfy our thirst. Or we give up and get a new cup.

In this season of more, do more, give more, need more, want more, we have a choice. In each of the situations we have a choice.

We can fix the cup.

We can say no, we can say yes.

We can find the lesson in the spills.

We can savor what is our glass.

After a rough morning with my son, after a mom-fail and tears, I apologized and received forgiveness.  I came home to a husband that was willing to take some things off my plate. To a house that is a home. I cleaned up a mess from breakfast I was able to provide for them. I answered emails from people willing to volunteer. And I read words of encouragement from a writer I deeply respect about an article, an article I feel grateful to be a part of.

If you’ve been following for any amount of time, you know one of the things in my cup at this time of year is Gobble, Gobble, Give. I have to make one more plug. If you’re in Austin, LA, Nashville, Vegas, San Fran, Santa Anna, or  NYC come help. If you’re not, consider a donation. It all goes straight to feeding the homeless. The food and containers. No admin costs here.

If you are looking to put something in your cup, check out these links. I wrote a piece about Thanksgiving wines, or should I say the personification of Rhône varieties in Texas, for Texas Wine Lover. Some silliness for your Turkey table.

If you want something special for the holidays, look at the these suggestions on Snooth from some great writers. I used the opportunity to share the love of Texas wine, William Chris’ Enchanté. There are some lovely wines on the list, many I’ll likely never get to try but a girl can dream, right?

This holiday season, try to see the beauty in the messes. Give grace freely, include yourself. Share from your abundance, whether wisdom or warmth. And whatever you pour this holiday season, enjoy every drop. Happy Thanksgiving!