We began serving dinner for 38 around 6pm. Tables were set up outside with a bonfire. Nothing about the night seemed unusual for the kids, as this would be their first time. Even for myself this was quite possibly the most traditional thanksgiving I have ever experienced. We began portioning out the plates and were worried, as we had been many times during the preparation process that there were not enough. We began with the fruit, putting the smallest of scoops on each plate. We moved on to potatoes, then green beans, then deviled eggs, then bread, then the turkey. As the price of a Turkey in Asia is a bit higher than America we had picked out the smallest Turkey we could find.
As the plates began to overflow, and we were running out of places to put the rolls and turkey God showed up! We had extra! Extra of everything! Along with the surplus, sometime between my 3 times of counting we ended up with 1 extra plate. God fed the 5,000, well the 38, plus one!
His provision is always greater than our expectations. The disciples wanted to send the crowd away. Five loaves of bread and two fish was not enough food for more than 5,000 people, and they journeyed to the land in hopes of a period of rest. Yet Christ had compassion on the crowd and his traveling companions. He did not see limitations, but abundance. [Matthew 14:13-21 and Luke 9:10-17]
My yoke is easy but my burden is light, (Matthew 11:30) our father shouts, but we look at the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and see only what our doubtful eyes allow us. His compassion overflows to the hungry, his children seeking out his joyful heart, and his grace abounds for those who are constantly surrounded by his gracious provision yet are constantly forgetful.
He provides what we need and throws in an extra plate.
