Homeless

Last night my Sunday School class volunteered to serve dinner to the homeless in a Memphis shelter for our annual Christmas party. We donated money prior to the party for things they needed like soap, paper towels, laundry detergent and pledged our service for the night. I was a little nervous because I've never been to a shelter for people who have so little. I knew it was going to be hard for me, but then I thought "who is really having the hard time here"...that's right...not me, the women and children who only have the clothes on their back and few other small possessions.

We walked into the shelter, which is a three or four bedroom home, to the common room where a handful of children were playing chess on a six inch chess board. The older boy, Nick, was teaching the younger ones how to play. They were having a good time. I immediately wanted to cry to think that these little kids didn't have a home and who knew if their parents where around. My urge to run fleeing from the emotional situation was forgotten as we prepared them a warm BBQ dinner. As a retired waitress, I balance plates and cups in my arms as I flitted around asking if anyone needed anything. Everyone was polite and patient. I talked with many women who were thankful to have a place to stay and seemed very positive. Maybe they were putting on a happy face for us. I wonder what kind of impact we had on them last night. I feel like it wasn't enough. The house needs repairs to the windows and plumbing, they also need items like soap, paper towels, clothes, etc. I'm going to send my clothes and household items there instead of to Goodwill from now on.

I'm glad I had the experience of last night. I watched my peers give their time and smiles so selflessly to those who needed them. I learned several lessons about attitude in the face of adversity and compassion to those in need. I've taken my life for granted so many times when I've grumbled about my lack of decor in the bathroom or I don't like the color of the tile in the kitchen. Give me a break! I'm thankful to be warm, not hungry, to have warm clothes and a house with electricty.

It feels good to give.