When I was in elementary school, we had to walk from the school building to the church basement for lunch. We weren't alerted to the menu ahead of time, and I can remember my fellow classmates guessing what would be served that day. As we walked down the basement steps, our noses told us what we were going to have for lunch before our eyes had seen the plates filled with delicious food. Spanish hamburgers (a version of sloppy Joes), meatloaf and mashed potatoes, or chili were some of my favorites. The lunch ladies made homemade buns, French bread, or cinnamon rolls which they served with every meal. Ahh... those were the days! To be served delicious meals, day after day was a treat and a blessing. We walked away content and satisfied, anticipating the "treat" that would be served the next day.

The gospel writers all share accounts of Christ taking a few loaves of bread and some fish to feed thousands of people. Can you picture Christ, after outlining to the people the plan of salvation, having to hear the mumblings from His disciples on how to send these intruders of Christ's time (and theirs) on their way? And of course, the majority of these people didn't plan ahead, so they were also hungry and asking where the concession stand was! What were they to do?

Christ once again shows His love and compassion to everyone (even those grumbling disciples!) gathered on the hillside. Taking the fish and bread that was available, He blessed it and asked the disciples to pass it out. By this time the disciples had seen Him perform other miracles. Did they catch on right away to what was going on, or did it take awhile for them to understand what had just taken place?

The thousands gathered on the Galilean hillsides walked away physically content and satisfied. Christ told them that He alone was the answer to their spiritual hunger, and provided for them numerous signs to satisfy their questions if He truly was the bread of life.

Even today, we can be content and satisfied that our physical needs will be provided for. I pray that you are spiritually content knowing that God has a plan for your salvation, but never completely satisfied with your spiritual growth, empathy towards others, witnessing to others, and the giving of your time, talents and treasures for the betterment of God's kingdom here on earth. I pray that you have a burning desire to stay connected to the One who sustains you, to daily study His word, pray continually, and share His word with those who do not know Him. May God grant you His wisdom as you serve Him in the days to come!

Enjoying the ride,

Jane