For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. Matthew 25:35

I need to add a new quote on my side bar. Tim said in the car on the way home, "Mom, why did you come get us?" What a blessing! He was referring to he and Nick working in the food pantry. We had a wonderful morning. We were all doing different jobs, serving in ways that only God could have designed. Ashley and her friend Laura Lynn were in the playroom helping 2 adult care providers (volunteer of course) play and care for children. I saw them walk small children to and from the bathroom, color with them and sometimes negotiate boundaries if the little ones took toys that someone else was playing with. Nick and Tim worked in the food pantry putting bread into bags, organizing apples into sections, loading up boxes of Thanksgiving fixings and at times carrying the boxes to cars. There were about 6 people in their area helping to distribute. Loud praise music was playing and God Bless you's were everywhere.

I was in the sanctuary with the job of distributing groups of 10 at a time to the next line where they would eventually get their food. My job ended up changing though because someone else took over. No problem here. I got to do what I love to do best...talk! Actually, I listened. A lot. I took absolute delight in hearing every story, every thought these men and women had to share. A few times, I had to probe and keep at it. I could see in their eyes the questioning of whether or not they truly believed I cared to hear their stories. But we had a long time to wait together and that meant a long time to get to know one another. I met a woman named Lori who talked about her deceased mother with such love and respect that it brought tears to my eyes. She knew the Lord and though most of the world would think she had nothing, she was mighty rich in spirit. I long to talk to her again. Her friend Minney was quiet and warmed up as the morning carried on. I plan on spending more time with them when they come back. I met another woman named Maria who just had knee surgery and has fallen on hard times. She had the most beautiful amazing eyes, bright and alive. Her spirit was tender. You could tell she was vulnerable. I loved the "realness" of these people.

Our morning was wonderful. I know God meant for us to be there today. We all four left knowing we would go back. Every single one of us. We were all touched and hearts sang as we gave the little we had to offer. I'm so grateful. Now, I just need to get Michael to join us. I was going to take him out of school but he had benchmark testing and couldn't miss. Some things in life are meant to experience.

My friend Amy says that you can't minister to people if you are on your ladder looking down. You have to be among people, talking to them and listening to their stories, truly caring about their lives. We all made one small step in that direction. Now this is why I homeschool! Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your friends and families...