Painted papers for telling our stories, acrylic on watercolor paper
When I am gathering bits and pieces of fabric, ribbons and painted papers, I feel like I am packing a little lunch of loaves and fishes. I’m giving my little pile of raw materials to Jesus, just like the little boy gave his small lunch to Jesus. That lunch fed thousands of people when it was in Jesus’ hands. There were even leftovers.
The disciples looked at the lunch, the raw materials, and thought it would be impossible to feed so many people. I, too, when I just look at my ribbons and papers only, wonder what can be accomplished. But then, that still small voice of God reminds me where to keep my eyes, my heart, my faith, and I lock them onto Jesus. Then, I know, my ribbons and scraps of fabric will be used mightily and “feed” thousands. I know, it’s because the materials are in HIS hands, and I showed up with my little lunch. He always, always enlarges, nourishes and renews peoples’ lives – even with the little bits we give Him.
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” – John 6
