In June, at church, I told my story, “A Boy and His Lunch”. It is a retelling of the Bible story called “Feeding the Five Thousand.” That particular morning wasn’t a good day. I hadn’t slept well. As I ate my breakfast, my ailing back screaming with pain, I wondered if I would survive leading worship. I prayed, “God I need your energy. I’m barely moving this morning. Please carry me.”

On the way to the church, I rehearsed the story in my mind and came to the lines “Even then, at the age of eight, I knew my lunch was just a drop in Jesus’ ocean of need. There would be enough for him and maybe even some of his friends but that crowd of thousands, no not at all. Jesus said it was just what he needed. And it was. It truly was.”

I thought about my aching back and the tiny bit of energy I had that morning. “OK God,” I prayed, “I’m giving you all that I have. I can do no more. The rest is up to you.” I envisioned Jesus reaching out to me and taking my hand.

“You’re all I need this morning Janet,” he said. “Thank you, Father for Janet’s gift of commitment and storytelling.”

I felt God’s blessing of peace and strength descend upon me. I flew through that service. I felt God’s Spirit pour forth as I told the story and served communion. God used my offering and all were fed. I went on to do a funeral service in the afternoon and enjoy supper out with friends. Yes, I was exhausted when the day was over. Pain had descended again. Yet I was filled with joy.

I gave what I had. That is all God asks. God took care of the rest. Thanks be to God.

Andrew said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?…Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.”  (John 6:9 & 11)