I was blessed today and I hope my kids felt it too. My sister orchastrated a family gathering/mission today and it was an experience I had not anticipated. My sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, my cousin, my aunt and my parents - about 20 of us in all met and went to volunteer at the Faith City Mission. We were among 275 volunteers today and it was a truly a blessing. This was something my kids and I had never done before and it was great. I would recommend it to everyone I know! And I will do it again and again and again! There were many more volunteers than homeless people. There were so many of us our job was simply to stand outside and greet the shelter's "guests". I like it that they were called the guests and our job was to serve them. We stood outside in the beautiful sunny day and shook hands and greeted hundreds of people. I was proud to stand beside my children and my family as we simply welcomed people to a wonderful lunch. As the guests entered the doors they enjoyed worship before their meal. There was an inspirational video and a sermon. And while I didn't agree with everything that was said, I felt an overwhelming sense that WE are the Church. There was an alter call of sorts and I wasn't sure that "asking Jesus into their hearts" was meaningfully to the group of hungry, tired, dirty, depressed, addicted, handicapped guests. I think the most meaningful part of the day were the people. The touching of hands, the serving of food, the smiles of children, the conversations about the weather, and the quick blessings and prayers that were shared. WE are the church. Of course I want everyone to have a relationship with our Lord, but I think the servant's hearts were closer to getting that job done than the preacher. And that was what was singed into my brain and what I told my children. WE are the church. Wherever we go, whomever we meet in every situation, WE are the church. We are on this earth to serve one another. It's not about us. And my small confession is that I often feel sorry for my family and all that we are going through. Our circumstances will not be changed by doctors or medicine BUT.... WE are the church and my family has been served by many. And it was a true blessing to serve others today. I was proud to be a part of such a wonderful family and a wonderful "church". So whatever God you serve and whatever church you attend, we are united in our love of service, our acts of kindness and goodness and acceptance. WE are the church.
On a side note, Jeff got his blood tests from yesterday back and his platelets are low. We are going to the hospital early tomorrow morning for another blood test and probably a platelet transfusion. (Thank you Susan for donating 2 units of platelets this week). Jeff and I are tired and weary and the last place we want to be on Thanksgiving is the hospital. But we are thankful that if he needs platelets he will get them. We are thankful for our familyand friends and being a part of something that is MUCH bigger than ourselves. We are humbled daily by it all. And we are truly blessed to be a part of it all. This life is beautiful, heart breaking, and very messy. We absolutley love it! We get it. Thank God!! WE are the church!
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