enough (matthew 14:13-21)

there was more than enough
grief
for Jesus,
hearing the news
that beloved John
had lost his head
to Herod;

there was more than enough
people
when all those folks,
men, women, children
(the press reported
more than 5000)
crowded after him;

there was more than enough
hunger
following each person,
gnawing away at
their hopes and dreams;

there was more than enough
doubt
feeding the fears
of his disciples,
whining for Jesus
to send everyone packing;

but what they did have
was more than enough
for Jesus -
taking,
blessing,
breaking,
transforming
their paltry panic
into manna's joy.

when we look into
our picnic basket of scarcity,
murmuring,
'not enough money,
not enough people,
not enough time,
not enough energy,
notenoughnotenoughnotenough'

remind us, Overflowing Grace,
that it is all Jesus
needs.

(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman