
Tonight was bit different for me. Usually we go and feed the homeless like we've been doing for almost a year with some great saints of God who give of their time so selflessly. We show up with food and smiles and lots of love in the name of Christ and minister to the broken, to the ones whom society forgets about so often. Who would have thought there would be enough homeless in our town of Wilmington to sustain daily feedings in 4 to 5 different areas of downtown! There's such a need that perhaps I failed to see or perhaps chose not to see. That's changing now. We've been volunteering for a men's shelter called the Mercy House for almost a year now. We promised the men that we wouldn't be drive by ministers, but that'd we stay and we'd stay a long time. Helping where there was need.
Tonight was different. We brought a Thanksgiving meal. We brought clothes. We brought Bibles. We even brought shoes. As the men began going through the clothes and shoes, I'm not sure what it was, but I was overcome with the immense need I saw before me that was being met as best as possible. But was it my best? A couple walked up, grabbed the only backpack we had that night, and stuffed it with sweaters and sweatshirts to stay warm. Some one else came up, and asked for a trash bag. A trash bag. I thought, no problem. I went inside to look for one. The only one we had was the one we were using to put the food trash in. That did it! I lost it but not enough for people to notice, I walked away, weeping at the thought of not being able to provide a simple trash bag to someone in such great need.
We had food, we had clothes, we had Bibles, but no trash bag. I knew it was a simple thing. But it just struck me funny for some reason. Can we as the church provide a trash bag for the homeless? Absolutely. Next time I'll be ready. But the lesson for me tonight is perhaps one of simply looking at the needs around me, and realizing that I don't have the means to meet them all, but I can minister with what God has given me, and do it with joy rather than sadness.
I hurt for the men at the Mercy House. I know I can do more. I will continue to serve God through being there for them, and encouraging others to do the same. Happy Thanksgiving.