How Would You Respond

Have you ever thought about the boy who had the five loaves and two fish? There he is with a huge crowd, with his own provisions. His parents or he himself had planned well and ensured he had food for the long day or days he would be out. And now, one of the disciples around Jesus, Andrew is pointing it out. What might have been His initial response? There are many responses even a young person would have. Possibly, he could have felt a bit nervous that someone is taking away his food and now what would he have? Will he get it back? Will he have enough? He might feel angry, people whom he sees as interesting or good are taking his food, and not giving it back. He might feel very honored having the attention of those in charge here, pointing him out, and giving him special focus in the crowd. And he might have felt excited, anticipating that something was about to happen. Or he might have been happy to give what he had, being dependent and assuming he will be cared for no matter what. 
As a child I was very sick and in the hospital on a floor with children who were dying. When they came to realize I would not die, my mother told me to give away a doll I had just been given. It was painful, because I didn't understand, and I wasn't very happy myself having been through all I had. Giving can be hard when we have need and wants. Yet when we give to Jesus it comes with a reality that He gives back more. When I was at the register yesterday they asked if I wanted to give to a charity. It seems most stores are doing that and it gets tiring. Because I had just spent money on dinner, I gave a dollar with just a hint of reluctance. As soon as I did, the cashier said “you have some reward money here, would you like to use it?” I said, “sure.” She said you have a dollar. Before I blinked, God gave the dollar back.

How much do you think the little boy with the fish and loaves ate that day? I'm guessing as much as he wanted, and likely the disciples sent him home with a bunch more.
Lord, help us respond in giving to you like one who knows we will be cared for no matter what.