His Hands

Last night our church served dinner at the Simpson's Homeless Shelter again.  Ella, Jacob and one of Ella's friends also come along.  Our Sunday school kids had created Valentine's to be handed out, so that was the kid's job.  When we were ready to leave the kitchen and hand them out Ella said, "I'm not comfortable with this,"  to which I replied, "Get ready to get out of your comfort zone then because that's why we're here."

The three of them went from table to table passing them out.  Some quietly received them, at one table a couple of the women giggled together how sweet that was and how cute they were and one gentleman asked Ella's friend to write his name on the envelope.  Then there was the younger gentleman who wanted to share a magic trick with them in return.  He had two cards that were red and blue and curved so when they were on top of each other they were the same size, but when side to side one looked taller.  They were baffled and he was thrilled by their response.  He came back about 5 or 6 times to repeat the trick.  He then let each of them hold the cards and try it as well.  It was so very sweet to see them huddled together and to see the man smiling so very broadly.  We always pray before we serve and ask God to give us Jesus' words of kindness and to let our hands be His hands - the kids did just that and I was so very proud of them.

Every time we go I am amazed at the resilience of people.  Yes, there are some folks there that look as if they can barely hold their heads up and for them, my heart breaks.  But, there are so many people we meet there who smile and are so gracious and thankful that it's amazing.  One woman came in and introduced herself and thanked us for the food and then said, "It was great because I'm eating for two - because I have a split personality."  That a girl!