An offering of loaves and fish

Do you think sometimes that you don’t really have much to offer to others when they are in need?

That your words are too ordinary to help?

That because you are in a hole financially, emotionally, relationally or spiritually that you couldn’t possibly have anything of use?

I believe that we are too quick to judge the contents of our own baskets as lacking and are apt to keep the contents under wraps so we don’t embarrass ourselves or others with our mediocre contribution.

It occurred to me that sharing what we have, no matter how small or inconsequential we believe it to be, is so very important, just as the little boy in the parable of five loaves and two fish gave his meager lunch to Jesus to share with 5,000 others.

That sometimes when we make our humble offering, small miracles do happen.

You may be scoffing at that thought, that you could be a party in some small way to a miracle.

Lest you judge too quickly…

Remember that miracles come in all shapes and sizes, such as when you are able to actually get through to your teen or tackle a tough subject with your spouse, and have it end on a positive note.

The last time I was on a trip, an opportunity was waiting for me in a hotel lobby/breakfast nook, where I was unaware, just doing a little surfing, getting ready to head out for my flight home.

The friendly desk clerk wandered through, and when she asked about my Mac laptop, we started to chat. One topic led to another-funny how that happens when women discover they have teens, parenting and other challenges in common-and I found myself talking-again-about how my dear hubbie and I had gone through Financial Peace University.

At how we became hopeful again about our future and how much the program had changed multiple aspects of our lives for the better.

Without warning, this mom, who looked like she had it as together as the rest of us, sat down at my table, and started to pour out an anguished tale of a life gone awry, of fear and hopelessness, of not seeing a way forward or out of a deepening chasm.

I listened, surprised by the chord I had struck with her.

I did the best I knew how to encourage and offer support. I shared resources and ideas.

She seemed to brighten as she gripped me in a tight, spontaneous hug, and whispered heartfelt thank you’s through her tears.

A few minutes in a hotel lobby.

A humbling moment for me, seeing how my words and what I know and have been through could help another mom.

And hopefully, a small miracle for this stranger in need, from my offering of loaves and fish.

Challenge: What light are you hiding under your basket that you need to shine for others? Will you step up and share it when opportunity knocks?

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves! — Mark 6:41-44 NLT

Sharing at No Ordinary Blog Spot

Image credit