HEAVEN’S BEST

It was summer. I was fifteen and looked forward to Fridays, as it meant a trip to the beach. Every week, our youth group put on an impromptu performance of songs and skits on the boardwalk to share the message of God’s love with those passing by.

One Friday we received a large donation of bread and pastries from a local bakery. “Let’s take it to the beach,” someone suggested. When we arrived and announced free loaves and pastries, a small crowd of needy and worn-looking people descended on our group. Most gratefully took what was offered, although two grumbled that their favorite variety of bread wasn’t amongst those offered. They refused what we had available to give, and walked off empty-handed, still grumbling.

Later, a young woman approached. She was pushing a double stroller, filled with not only two children, but what looked to be all her earthly possessions. “I heard you were giving away bread.” Her voice sounded almost desperate, like her life might have been. A wide-eyed toddler watched silently from his carriage while a baby slept fitfully. Their clothes looked fairly new, but the things packed into every spare inch of the stroller suggested that the woman had no place to stay.

I gathered the remaining food into a bag—some muffins, a couple of loaves—and gave it to her. She didn’t even look to see what was inside but thanked me profusely.

One of my friends began a conversation with the young mother. I turned to pack up but heard enough of the conversation to understand that he gave her the location of a woman’s shelter and money to get there. I was glad she had come to us, glad she was able to get a bit of help, a bit of hope. I also thought of the two who had left with nothing.

Twice, Jesus fed thousands of people with only a few loaves and fishes. When they wanted another meal, He replied, “I am the bread from heaven.” The best that heaven had was offered freely, just waiting for those who would have the faith to take it, to taste it, to recognize it for what it truly was. Yet most turned away empty.

The bread of heaven is given freely to all who seek. The times I remain unsatisfied are the times I do not let it enter my heart and fill my soul.
We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,
For life and health and every good;
By Thine own hand may we be fed;
Give us each day our daily bread.
—John Cennick (1718–1755)