sitting on the grass,
relaxed, expectant,
vaguely aware of hunger,
yet, eyes fastened on the Master,
hoping perhaps for one more parable . . .
If I had been there
(Think of it! Five thousand men,
besides women and children),
I might have been so far from him
as not to hear a single word.
But would it have mattered?
Enough, surely, to be in that place,
which through the presence of one
became a mammoth picnic field
for a trusting, precious,
quite colossal family.
O, what a sweeping, swelling tide
of incredible joy
must have rippled that ocean of human need,
as bread was handed out
(five loaves for thousands)
and fish, blessed with such love
that all were filled and satisfied!
If I had been there,
so miraculously fed,
how could I ever fear again
that future needs would not be met?
How could I dare to doubt?
O anxious heart, be still.
Rejoice! Expect a miracle,
and know
that lack exploded centuries ago.
The proved and lasting substance of God's grace
is overflowing now
in every desert place.
