Yes, tomorrow is the big day! Some of you have been making preparations all week, cooking, cleaning, thawing the big bird, and brandishing your skills on fancy side dishes. Others get off easy and bring a family favorite to compliment someone else’s table. A few may just enjoy a quiet, simple meal at home.

No matter the size of the gathering or the spread on the table, there is more to consider than just filling our belly. Jesus beautifully exemplified what should be incorporated into our daily routines when He fed the crowd of more than 5000.

Remember, the crowd was hungry so Jesus’ disciples took an inventory of the food available. Five small, flat, barley loaves and two small fish. Afterall, it was the lunch of just one boy. Perhaps enough to share with a friend, but with 5000 men and their families? Hardly.

Watch what Jesus did. “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people” (Matthew 14:19).

What can we learn? First, let’s observe what we have, no matter how little, and give thanks to God.

Then notice the repetition of the word ‘gave.’ Jesus gave to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the people. Later, we find the disciples picking up leftovers so the people were even able to give back.

Let’s instill the habit of giving thanks each time we receive and also being generous in giving away part of what we receive. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8b).

Thank you for taking the time to read  my “Wednesday Whisper” blog. Perhaps you can share it with others.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!