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. - John 6:11 (NIV)

My young friend had written me a thank-you note for having our neighbors over for coffee. None of the adult guests wrote, but this boy with dyslexia did. Some letters were backward, and one sentence ran on with no punctuation. He signed his name and then added the names of his two younger brothers.

I read the note with tears in my eyes. I knew how much this young man struggled with his learning disability. Yet he didn’t focus on that. He focused on expressing his gratitude.

In the Bible one boy offered his five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude. Jesus took what the boy had and, after giving thanks, multiplied it to feed five thousand people. (See Jn. 6:1-14.) That boy could have held back, telling himself that what he had was not enough; that people might laugh at him; that Jesus might reject his meager offering; that his mother might scold him for giving away his lunch; that he would go hungry.

I keep that thank-you note to remind me to give what I have to God, trusting that God’s power can make it enough.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us to remember to look to you in faith and give what we have, knowing you will multiply our gifts for the good of the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today's Reading
John 6:1-14

Thought for the Day

In the hands of God, my gifts are made sufficient.

Prayer Focus

To focus on expressing gratitude


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