As I stood behind a table, categorized as "ladies shirts", folding the mountain of clothes in front of me, a woman came up to me and she was wearing a knit hat for the winter time. It was a soft shade of purple, and I exclaimed that I had loved her hat. I saw her smile get wider than it already was and so she took off her hat and showed me her hair as well. She told me her story and showed off her new haircut, extremely proud of it. Honestly, she was a delight to be around. I think there's people out there who are terrified to come serve the homeless, but fail to realize that they're people that Jesus died for-just like us. Most of them smile, just to see you around.
Also, something struck me. Another woman was at the tables today looking for a pair of pants. Lots of people come to look for clothes that fit them, however, do you know what I heard on repeat today? "I'm trying to find another pair of pants because the ones I'm wearing are all I own" Can you even imagine only having one pair of pants to wear? I'm one of those people who own several pairs of jeans, yet still complain about having nothing to wear that day.
Lastly, I realized that we all have life fairly easy. Today, another woman was looking for long sleeved shirts. That seems pretty normal, because who doesn't love a good long-sleeved shirt, right? However, she informed me that it gets cold underneath the bridge where she sleeps. Ya'll. How many of us have a bed to sleep in every night? How many simple pleasures do we take for granted? Today, a woman needed feminine hygiene products. We weren't able to supply any, and that broke my heart as well. I just believe that God has always provided for us, and will continue to provide to our brothers and sisters in Christ who aren't as fortunate as us.
And, you may ask "well, what's this all doing to your heart?" Today I have a decent answer.
Each month, we pray in and pray out of our time there. Usually the pray in is filled with my mental list of things that still need to get done before we open for business. The pray out is when my brain and heart slip out of "efficiency mode" and into "sentimental mode". I realized that I definitely want to expand this ministry through supplies to bring, and especially people. I don't think anyone really knows what these days ential until they experience them. I have so many friends who don't love Jesus, but maybe for a few hours, they could see Him at work. These people that come every single month aren't there for the pleasurable feeling or because it's easy; they're their to serve Jesus through serving others. I'm honored to be included in such a wonderful ministry that does nothing but care for others. I felt a little lost in my purpose for this year, but by doing this- things have started to clarify. God's obviously holding up a sign that says "THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND YOU" and I sure am glad He is. Sometimes we need a good reality check. And sometimes we need to give up our afternoons to get the message all soaked in, and to show Jesus to others through our actions.
Photo Creds
have a blessed day
Emma Jane
No comments:
Post a Comment