Leftovers

"After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, 'Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.'” --John 6:12 (NLT)

I am not fond of leftovers. Even though I dutifully place them in the refrigerator, I usually ignore them until they begin to sprout sickly, black spots and unusual looking fur. The majority of them end up in the trashcan. I always find it easier to toss out food once it has genetically mutated.

Recently, I came across the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-13). I have heard/read this story many times and always assumed that the gathering of the leftovers was to validate the extravagance of Jesus' miracle. He didn't just feed them; he provided more than they needed (twelve baskets full)!

But this time, as I read the story from John 6, Jesus' words in verse 12 caught my attention, "Gather the leftovers so that nothing is wasted."

So that nothing is wasted...

As I ponder this concept of spiritual leftovers, I realize that God has gone to great lengths, during the past three years, to teach me the importance of gathering leftovers. On most days, I read from a One Year Bible and journal the Scripture(s) that stand out to me. I also jot down events from my life that have God's handprints all over them. Rather than get bogged down with complete sentences and paragraphs, I tend to write bullet points.

My journal entry for John 6:12 reads, "Leftovers - the bits and pieces that are left over, as a result of a miracle (God at work), are just as important to Jesus as the main course."

Even though I may be full, according to Jesus, the bits and pieces that remain are not to be wasted. The discipline of journaling allows me to gather the leftovers of my God experiences. On a regular basis, I go back and reflect on past journal entries. There, on the written page, God's faithfulness is impossible to deny because, in my own hand, I have logged a record of His miracles and the overflowing baskets of leftovers! Without fail, I discover new truths, gain clearer understanding, and find significance in a small detail where before there was none. And best of all, unlike the contents of my refrigerator, these leftovers never spoil!

Father,
Your extravagance knows no boundaries! Not only do You feed me but You provide leftovers that are a feast, in and of themselves. Forgive me for carelessly tossing out what comes from Your hand. There isn't a single detail from my experiences with You that should end up in the trashcan. Since the pieces left over were important to Jesus, may they be important to me. Teach me to appreciate the miracle of everyday moments. And, just as importantly, teach me to savor the leftovers that are not to be wasted. I love You. In Jesus' name, Amen.