We live in a world of scarcity, of grave concern over limits. With finite resources, circumscribed abilities and limited time, is it not good for us to be concerned to save, to guard and to conserve our resources?

Perhaps; yet, in Matthew 14:13-21 we read about Jesus sitting on a hillside looking out over a multitude of hungry people. What is he to do? The disciples tell him to send them away, but Jesus commands them to feed the people. Of course, the disciples wonder where on earth, with their scant resources, they are expected to find food for so many.

Five loaves and two fish are not enough for so great a group. Or is it? As we read along in this story, we hear that Jesus takes what they have, blesses it, breaks it and gives it. And wonder of wonders, it is enough. Matthew says, “All ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, 12 baskets full.”

The truth was, there wasn’t enough, there was more than enough. In this story, scarcity in the face of great need is contrasted with the gracious, extravagant abundance that is offered at the hand of Jesus.

God is like that. God could have made one shade of flower – say a brilliant orange prairie lily – and that would be miracle enough for us. Yet look at the colours and shapes of the millions and millions of flowers. Wouldn’t you call such colourful creativity excessive? Here is a God who, when creating people, flowers, birds or stars, just didn’t know when to stop.

Perhaps with God creativity is a renewable resource. Perhaps with God courage, determination and love are all renewable resources.

In God there is fulfillment, abundance, extravagance and an overflowing of graciousness. Can we trust God to provide what we need and can we, as children of God, provide what others need? Not just the bare necessities, but an over abundance.