Gifts of Goodness

There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” 

-John 6:9 

I have a similar thought, although mine often sound more like, “Can my actions really make a difference? Or “Will my effort really help stop the massive issue of global warming?” or something similar. These thoughts diminish the value of my gifts, and they often convince me not to act at all.  

Just after Peter mumbles these words, Jesus begins the process of turning the five loaves and two fish into a feast for five thousand hungry people.  Not only do these five thousand eat, but there are also twelve baskets of food left over. It is amazing what Jesus does with the small amount that this boy offered. 

I hope this verse comes to mind the next time you are convinced that the good you offer doesn’t really matter. One of my favorite quotes is from the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

May you offer your gifts of goodness this week with the knowledge that with God’s help they will impact the world.

-Matt+