And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. 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)
"Lord, the food tastes different" was the consensus of the entire family after eating a supper outside around the campfire. Supper had been prepared under some very primitive conditions that evening. The family was deep in the wilderness, high in the mountains. Their vacation was one of backpacking.
Only the bare essentials could be put into the backpack. Food had to be rationed, no extras. But like so many find -- this family also found -- that cooking and eating in God's great outdoors awakens the taste buds and gives everything a better flavor. The food just seems to be more appetizing. None of it is to be wasted.
Thousands sat down on the grass of a hillside one day to eat with Jesus. They weren't backpacking. They were just out with Jesus. Soon it was mealtime. Only one little boy had thought of carrying a lunch. Jesus miraculously took that lunch and prepared a feast so that all could eat. They picked up in baskets the food remaining after all had eaten. None of the food was wasted.
The days spent on vacation are probably when people eat out most often. Naturally, the thought will arise, "Lord, the food tastes different." It is a time to ponder how truly God blesses us. Not only does He provide special moments and settings to awaken our taste buds, but He reminds us how He and He alone takes care of the needs of our body. We are not to waste His blessings. We are to use them as God intends.
PRAYER: Lord, let me repent of my wastefulness and ask that You continue pouring out Your blessings upon me from Your gracious hand. In Jesus' name. Amen.
(Taken from "Lord, Vacation Time is Here" (out of print), copyright 1977, International Lutheran Laymen's League.)
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Kings 16-18 Acts 13:1-25
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