What about the left-overs?

In the story of the feeding of the 5000, (Matthew 14:13-21) I've always been concerned with the debris:

The bits left over,

what of those?

Pieces left strewn around,

no longer required.

A plethora

of scraps,

yet Christ leaves none discarded

but calls for all to be gathered in,

saved and treasured.

Baskets filled with an extravagance-

excess cherished.

Symbolism

that can only be imagined.

A hungry crowd,

a boy's packed lunch,

a great big picnic.

People fed

and still enough

to go on sharing

the blessing, 

 abundance,

and grace of God.

Pilgrimage

Setting out hopefully

With energy

Anticipation

Determination

Walking alongside

First one,then another

Striking up conversations

Listening in to others

Hearing stories

Of other journeys

And other companions on the road

Imagining other lives

Different times

Those who have travelled this way before us 

Those who will follow on

Listening

To the voice of God

That speaks into our lives

In this place and time

Even the stones cry out

their sacred story

clamouring to be heard

imploring us to take heed

And as we place one foot in front of the other

The rhythm of the earth itself

breathes into our bones

communicates with our spirit

inviting us to rest awhile

before journeying on

with a new wisdom

a different insight

Changed not by the place

Or the destination

But by the journey

in the fellowship of God.