"They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over" - Mathew 14:20 (NIV). 

The story of Jesus and feeding over 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Mathew 14: 13-21), has indeed long captured our imagination at the sheer magnitude of this feat. While many tend to focus on this miracle beyond our comprehension, there are some important lessons worthy also paying attention to.

First, we find that the caterers ensured everyone was filled to their satisfaction. In these days of scarcity who would not like to attend an event where the host tasks upon himself to ensure all are amply supplied. Wouldn't we call that a generous host! Perhaps we all can borrow a leaf from this act of never leaving out some, treating all fairly.

The other equally compelling aspect of this story is that after all were filled, the caterers picked up "all the broken pieces that were left" (vv 20). Now you would think that a people who have just witnessed such an abundance, would be the most wasteful. Rather; it was the opposite. They did not leave anything to waste. Even in those days there was concern for the environment.

In the olden days many homes had the habit of storing up left overs for morning bread. As were the disciples of Jesus. That was some sign of good stewardship, and from which enduring wealth springs.

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray to practice good stewardship by not being wasteful and take good care of my environment, this I pray in Jesus's name.