Our church hosted the cold weather shelter in December. This is a program where churches turn their facilities into a home for families who have no place to live. I must confess, I was a bit concerned about taking on such an endeavor because I knew it was a pretty big undertaking. But not only did people step up, they also went the extra mile… and then some! In fact, all I had to do was give permission and just show up. It is my understanding that the doctor who visits the cold weather shelter churches to medically assist our guests claims she has never seen any place so well run. I am so proud of our community. I guess it because it never occurred to our folks that these people were some project that allowed us to feel noble about our good deeds. Instead they are our guests, people with whom we can build relationships.
A lot of cool blessings are coming out of this, but I would like to focus on one. We could have thrown lots of parties and productions this Christmas season, all in the name of reaching out to people and building community. Yet experience has shown me that NOTHING, I MEAN NOTHING, accomplishes those goals better than families working together to reach out to families. There is nothing wrong with having someone over for a cup of egg nog, but if you really want to build a relationship, serve with them. That my friend, changes lives.
It’s funny how serving has become a lost art. After all, Jesus made it one of the pillars of our spiritual journey. I guess once again He knows what He is talking about.
12-13-2006 |