A Witness of God's Kingdom

This week is shaping up to be stock full to the brim of blessings. Praise the Lord, and Whoohoo!

Last year I started volunteering at a local homeless day shelter. I am blessed more in those few hours washing dishes than I can yet wrap my earthly mind around. However this summer I wasn't able to volunteer due to those little treasures I call children. For some reason it seemed like they were around all the time; that is if I wasn't driving them to an activity. Summer sure can wear a Momma out if she's not at the beach.

Anyway, more about my blessings. Guess what? People were excited to see me at the shelter. That just made my heart sing. I reconnected with familiar faces. I work behind a counter in the kitchen, but I have the opportunity to talk with anyone who walks up for coffee. I witnessed a tender moment shortly after I arrived. A man greeted a buddy with, "Man, where have you been. I was ready to send a search party for you. I've been worried about you. How is life treating you?"

There was humor and teasing in his voice, but his care and love were enough to bring a tear to my eye and joy to my heart. The Lamb Center is a place where God just pours buckets of love on tender souls. Some are parched for care. Such as guest who normally is just a dear. She was clearly having a bad day. She was upset, and it was hard to understand what she needed. You know how it is when you've had a terrible day, and you end up yelling at the person who is trying to help you. God's spirit of peace was interceded. With her voice trembling full of emotion she finally conveyed what she needed. She was still upset and blew off a little more steam, but it was also clear that she knew someone was trying to help her. Many of us prayed for her day to improve.

Later the center received a phone call from a guest that is in the hospital. He complained that the food was just terrible, so he needed the director to bring him a piece of that good gooey chocolate cake the center has. Someone laughed that they weren't sure the director could drop everything to deliver cake, but I realized that this guest feels love and comfort at the Lamb Center. He wanted his community to continue to care for him. Or maybe he had an intense chocolate craving. Love comes in many forms.

Speaking of food - we were almost drowned in it Monday. I've never seen so much food come in at one time. At one point every counter was covered several dishes high as I stood in the middle of the floor holding a fruit salad the size a kiddie pool with no where to put it. May God pour extra blessings on those who follow His prompting to donate to the homeless. I can vouch that very hungry people walk into the center. They worry about getting any food. Monday there were smiles all around as they realized God had provided them with a mighty banquet.

To witness these modern day miracles feeding the hungry, care for the careworn, love for the sometimes hard to love is to witness God's Kingdom here on earth. Thank you Lord for opening my eyes to your glorious riches.