A Day at the Pantry

This morning I spent a couple of hours at “Minnie’s Food Pantry” in Plano, tx. I became a member of the board a couple of months ago and today was the day that the board was to come out and serve those in the community that where coming to get their weekly supply of Food. Not only was the board coming out but so was the Mayor of Plano Phil Dyer and of course the media. Needless to say this was my kind of party. I’m ashamed to say that I was coming only because I was expected to make an appearance. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy serving, but that was not my intent for showing up today. I don’t think I knew what to expect. In the board meetings we had made such a big deal about the Mayor being there and the marketing video that I was confused about what my job would be.
This morning I woke up and pondered my outfit for sometime. I didn’t want to dress up and look like I was trying to impress the Mayor and yet I didn’t want to dress to casually and be that young punk on the board that didn’t know any better. So, I found a look somewhere in between. When I arrived I realized that I had overdressed. Everyone was there to work and their attire showed it. I was kind of embarrassed even to be in jeans because a lot of the work was going to be outside. But, I pushed my pride aside and jumped in.
There was a line for the food pantry that stretched around the corner of the building it was located in. Needy families that lived in one of the wealthiest suburbs in the country coming just to get a two weeks supply of food. It was very eye opening. So we served them and we served them hard. I saw the faces of these people come and go. There was no dominate race and many of them drove nicer cars than my own. I was struck with the reality of what their lives must be like. I thought of shame and depression I would feel if I were in that line waiting to get food for my family. Knowing that for me this would have been the last resort and it would have taken everything in me to ask for help. So, I smiled at them and prayed for them knowing that their stomach would be full but for many of them their souls and spirits would remain empty. These are people who live in the wealthiest country on the planet and sadly many of us are only a paycheck away from that same fate. It made me value family, because I know that I would have to go through a ton a family before I ended up in that bread line. I thank God for that.
I also, thought about how privileged I was to be a part of the work going on there. As I was driving away from the food pantry I thought to myself “That is what I want to be doing when Jesus comes back!” Serving others or something like it. Something that is not about me and my stupid wants. What do you hope to NOT be doing when Jesus returns?