30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
The simplest things in life are the ones that bring the most joy. Toddlers like playing with the boxes more than the gifts. Holding hands used to be a wonderful thing. (And it still is!) Not burning the meal made you feel like you had arrived. The pat on the back when you did a good job meant so much. Here two of Jesus’ disciples have walked a distance with Jesus, but they were unaware of his identity. They have urged him to sit for a meal at their destination. Jesus does the simplest of acts and they recognize him. How many times Jesus ate with them we don’t know. I can imagine hundreds of meals through those three and a half years of his active ministry. They probably absorbed the exact movements of his hands, the subtle twist of the break as he broke it. As he does this their eyes are opened and their hearts are able to catch the reality of what has happened over the last hours as they walked. The simple act of breaking bread became a turning point in their lives. We never know the important moments in life. Sometimes we think a moment is important and it fades over time to be forgotten. Others that we could easily dismiss become those turning points for us. Today, don’t dismiss the little things of life. When you eat with someone, it might be the turning point of your life. A small conversation might change someone’s world. An email might bring hope. A personal message posted on someone’s Facebook page might make the difference. A phone call might pull someone up from the depths. A handshake or a shoulder hug might keep someone from hurting themselves. We never know what a purposeful, personal touch might do to change a life. Don’t be afraid to use your touch, whether physical or not, to reach out to another person today. It might be life-changing for them.
The Arnold Journey 