"How far will they go among so many?"
It’s “that time of the year” for teachers.
Third quarter is wrapping up, which means grades are due next week. I spent three hours last night scoring and writing comments on AP essays. Didn’t even touch last Friday’s test. Or the other five classes I teach.
Of course, the start of fourth quarter follows the end of third, which means I also need to be working on detailed lesson plans. While, of course, remaining mindful of the myriad events that define the final quarter of the school year. And maintaining high academic standards until the very end.
As I look through the calendar, I panic, “How am I ever going to do it all?” I’m pretty sure this very question tapped me on the shoulder at 2:30 AM this morning and refused to let me get back to sleep. Overwhelmed and sleep-deprived. Whatta a twofer!
I’m working my way through the gospel of John, and today’s story is from John 6:1-15 — Jesus feeding the five thousand. Now, I heard this story told with felt cut-outs when I was a child. As a teenager, I put together little baskets with two sesame sticks and five goldfish crackers for my Vacation Bible School kids. I took a class on the life and teachings of Jesus in college. I know this story!
But clearly, God knows me. And He knew that today I needed to read this old familiar story in a new way.
Most sermons I’ve heard preached on this story focus on (a) the little boy’s selflessness in giving away his lunch or (b) Philip’s faith in bringing five small loaves and two fishes to Jesus. Without meaning to discount either, what strikes me today is Philip’s question, “…but how far will they go among so many?”
How can so little meet so many needs?
How can one person get everything done?
Because, of course, my life isn’t just about grading and lesson plans! It’s supposed to be about the people: my students. My own children. My husband. My family. My friends. I’m guilty of fixating on paperwork because that, at least, I am capable of getting done. But reaching all 110 students who enter and exit my classes each day? Meeting Annemarie’s, Jonathon’s, and Daniel’s needs? Maintaining relationships with family and friends?
How far can I go among so many?
I already know the answer. When I focus on the needs I see and attempt to meet them all myself — or when I look at everything that has to get done and try to do it all myself — I either quit without even trying or almost kill myself accomplishing nothing of lasting value. (Click to Tweet this.)
But what if, as in this story, I offer myself to Jesus? What if I allow Him to take me, give thanks (for me?!?), and distribute me as He sees fit?
Could it be that as He fulfills all needs, I’ll be more me than I was when He started?
Instead of stretched-to-the-breaking-point me, instead of burnt-out-to-crispy-crumbs me, instead of resentful rotten me, twelve baskets of extra, abundant me?
Just like that little lad
Who gave Jesus all he had
How the multitude was fed
With the fish and the loaves of bread
What you have may not seem much
But when you yield it to the touch
Of the Master’s loving hand, yes,
Then you’ll understand How your life could never be the same.Just ordinary people
God uses ordinary people
He chooses people just like me and you
Who are willing to do as He commands
God uses people that will give Him all
No matter how small your all may seem to you
Because little becomes much as you place it in the Master’s hand.“Ordinary People” by Danniebelle Hall
“How far will they go?”
Click on the link above to see this word cloud at WordItOut. You may also view it on this website if you enable javascript (see your web browser settings).
