“Now the famine was severe in the land. And when they had eaten up the grain that they had brought Egypt, their father said to them, ‘Go again, buy as a little more food.’ … Then their father said to them , ‘If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry them down as a present to the man – a little balm and a little honey, gum, resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds. Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the top of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. Take your brother also, and be on your way again to the man; may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, so that he may send back your brother and Benjamin.” Genesis 43: 1-2, 11-14a

There is always a feast in a famine; I must look for it, or be observant enough to realize the entirety of the feast. “The famine was severe” yet choice fruits were in enough abundance to not only take some for the journey but to give as a present along with balm, honey, gum, resin and two types of nuts. How much of each would be needed to be considered a gift to the second in command of a nation during a famine? Do I realize the grace of God poured out all around me, my family, friends and community and am I willing to give abundantly even in the midst of “severe famine”. Do I possess faith enough? Do I trust God? Or do I hold onto everything…..?