Five Loaves and Two Fishes

OK, J, stay in the line with this lady while I quickly go to get an item.” I looked around to see the protesting eyes of a little boy loudly declaring, “She’s a stranger!” I, too, was ready to join the protest. However, before we could unite in a full protest, his mother was gone. We then fixed our gazes on each other, quickly concluding that we might as well make the best of the situation we had been thrust into.

We proceeded to order and collect our meals. J found a table for us, and we sat down. After finishing a beautiful grace, he declared, “I’m a Christian, you know!” These words flowed from his tongue with such ease and profound pride yet with such innocence and humility. I asked him how long he had been a Christian, to which he promptly replied, “I am nine years old now, but I was baptized when I was eight.

I have always loved God!” Just as we were about to engage in a deeper conversation, J’s mother returned. She politely interjected and indicated to J that he would have to complete his meal on the plane as they had to go.

She thanked me, and J introduced her by name and gave me a personal invite to his city (all this now to her amazement... I had to smile).

We wished each other a safe trip and said our goodbyes.

As I reflected on the experience, five words resonated with me... five precious loaves to feast on, “I have always loved God!” I was reminded of the little boy in the story recorded in John 6:9 who, like J, willingly shared what he had, no doubt motivated by love. May we all demonstrate that childlike faith and give our all to a Savior who promises to make us fishers of men, and the blessings will continue to multiply!

Simone E. Johnson