Miracle by the Water

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. Mark 8:1-10

Today, in just a little while, I will plunge into the water and swim a mile. Not for my health alone today but to raise money for cancer research. To many beloved people have been lost to the disease. Too many people have struggled and suffered terribly. All's I can do is my little part. Folks I know will be swimming in NY, and since there is no group here, I will swim along with them from the other side of the country. When we put our little efforts together, miracles happen.

Jesus is faced with a hungry crowd and not enough to feed them. He has compassion on them and wants to do his part. A little boy is found who has a small lunch which is offered for the greater good of all. His portion, his small offering becomes enough to feed the whole crowd. It is a miracle begun by one small offering. God invites us today to simply do what we can.

Today I ask God for the strength to swim and the courage to always offer my small part. May we all give what we can, no matter how seemingly small, trusting that God can make miracles happen with the smallest of gifts. May we do our little parts today with joy knowing God will provide the abundance.