Day 22: May 26Scripture: Matthew 15:32-39 At the All God’s Children Camp for children of incarcerated mothers, meals are served “family style.” Campers and mentors are seated around the table, passing the platters of food to each other. Many of the children have learned to hoard food, sincerely worried about the next time food might be available. They are reluctant to pass the platter to others until they are sure their own plate is overflowing. It takes several meals at camp for the children to learn that there is plenty of food for everyone – both for second (and third) helpings at this meal and for each of the subsequent meals. It is when they have the assurance that there is enough that they realize it is fine to pass the platter so that everyone can have a helping. They are more willing to share the food on the platter, learning that when they consider others around the table, there ends up being enough for everyone. Most of us live thinking there is not enough – not enough food, not enough money, not enough time. And yet time and time again, God shows us that there is enough - for ourselves and for others. In this Scripture, the disciples say there is not enough food for everyone. Jesus assures them that there is. When the loaves and fishes were passed around the crowd, all ate and were filled. There was enough for everyone. We all need that assurance that there is enough. When we start thinking about the others around the table, there ends up being enough for everyone. But although this Scripture gives that assurance, it also challenges us to make sure that we are passing the platter. Who else is around the table? Has everyone received the platter, or have we just kept it at our end of the table? Have we had our second and third helpings before all have been served? We need to make sure that all are able to eat and be filled. Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the assurance that you will provide, that we will have enough to share. Remind us again and again that there are many at the table, waiting for their first helping. Amen. Ann Davis |