"One of the disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 'There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?'" John 6:8,9. (NKJV).
"The Brown Bundle Mystery," Timmy read the title of the book, snuggled under the covers. "Sounds exciting," Grandfather put on his glasses.
"'Mother,' Jacob ran into the house. 'A great crowd's gathered to hear the Teacher. May I go to hear Him? I've done my chores.'
"'Alone?' Mother dried her hands on a kitchen towel.
"'Rueben's waiting for me by the gate.'
"'Not so fast, son. Here's your lunch. Enough to share with Reuben.' She handed him a brown bundle.
"'Thanks, Mother. Better hurry. Don't want to miss anything exciting.'
"'Wow. What a crowd. Let's get close to the hillside where the Teacher sits. We'll hear better there.' Jacob motioned to a spot. Rueben followed.
"Later that afternoon, Rueben's stomach rumbled. He leaned close to Jacob. 'Where's the lunch?' Jacob grinned, pulled out the brown bundle, unwrapped it. 'Yum. Bread and fish.'
"A giant shadow blocked the sun, Jacob looked up. A big man smiled at him.
"'You brought food? Good. Come with me. The Teacher needs you. By the way. I'm Andrew.' The boys ran to keep up with his long strides.
"'Why does the Teacher need us? We're two boys with nothing to offer.' Andrew grinned as he brought them to Jesus.
"'This is all I have,' Jacob said, as he placed the bundle in His hands. The Teacher smiled, gave thanks, and distributed the food to His disciples. The disciples served those sitting, as much as they wanted. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.'"
"Wait, Grandfather. The Teacher fed five thousand with five loaves and two fish? Big loaves?"
"No. About the size of dinner rolls. When we give what we hold in our hands to the Teacher, He uses it and multiplies it for the good of others. Little is much when blessed by the Lord even a brown bundle."
"Is that the mystery?" Grandfather chuckled.
"Partly, but the greatest mystery? The Lord Jesus loves us and uses us in mighty ways no matter who we are when we give our all to Him." Timmy nodded.
Kingdom Thinking. When I keep my hands fisted, I miss out. But open? the things in my hands become gifts to Him. He multiplies them for my good and His Glory. He promises to love me with an everlasting love and never leave not forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won't you come?