This morning I woke up, fed Bug, and got ready to drive to the local mission to volunteer for their yearly Christmas dinner. I showed up not knowing what to expect, since I don't usually volunteer unless I 'have' to do it for some reason or another.
This year has been different, I promised myself I would make more of an effort to help others when needed, not spend as much money on silly things, don't talk bad or judge others, go to church more often, be more understanding, and overall become a better person.
When I arrived I signed in and took a spot next to the other volunteers. There were about 20 other volunteers, many families, and groups of people. On the other hand I was standing there alone. The organizer was asking for volunteers to do specific tasks...I quickly rose my hand and volunteered to serve desert.
As I was waiting for 1 o'clock to hit, a little boy about 8 or 9 ran up to me and said 'Can we eat yet?' 'No, not yet in about 10 minutes'. He ran off and said 'OK Thanks!' I stood there watching him run away and I couldn't help but feel extremely sorry. A feeling of sadness covered my body. I thought to myself 'God, when I was 8 or 9 I could care less about the food...all I wanted were my presents and I wanted to make sure I got exactly what I asked for' I guess I never really thought about food because I just automatically assumed it would always be there. I mean as an 8 year old girl, I didn't think about those things all I was thinking about were my toys and when the next sleepover was going to be.
1 o'clock came around and I was on a mission! I wanted to make sure everybody had at least one piece of desert. Pecan pie, cupcakes, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and chocolate cake was on the menu for desert. It was sweet potatoes, ham, mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans for the main course. Salads, coffee, milk, water was also available.
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When the doors opened and the ok was given, people swarmed in. Lots and lots of people. I'd say about 200. People of all races, ages, kids, seniors, males, females, they were all there. People got up when they were finished and their spot was quickly taken by someone else.After an hour and a half, and almost breaking the coffee machine people were starting to clear out so I started cleaning tables off. About 5 minutes later, in through the door came a man and a young girl maybe about 10. I'm guessing it was a father/daughter. Volunteers imediatly seated them and handed them plates of food. A family who was also there volunteering asked if they could have their daughter (about the same age as the girl who walked in with her father) take desert. I nodded my head stood back and watched the little girl take two plates of desert to the table. I watched the two girls side by side. One wearing jeans, warm boots, and a Christmas turtle neck. The other wearing old jeans, flip flops and an old worn out jacket.
I wonder what went on through those girls minds? Did they even see what I was seeing? Could they tell they were from two complete different worlds? I don't know, but that moment made it clear to me, that life isn't always fair...and that I need to be grateful for every little thing that I have...because Yes...I sometimes complain! Why? Why do I do that? I have everything in the world...EVERYTHING! What else could I even dare to ask for? For crying out loud I drove there in my BMW!!! How much more selfish could I become?
Now that I've had some time to look back this experience has not only made me a more grateful person, but I honestly believe this was a life changing experience. I mean, how could this not change a person? Looking at people...human beings, that don't have a home to go to for Christmas and cook a warm meal makes me truly thankful for everything that I have. I have a home, a warm bed to sleep in, a job, food, friends and family
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<--- This folks is the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Next time you get the urge to yell at someone in traffic, complain about not being able to have the latest and greatest game for your xbox, or getting annoyed at the young girl behind the counter because she can't get your order right...think about it twice. You don't know what kind of struggle people are going through. If you can eat, breath, walk, talk, have a warm bed, can put your own socks on consider yourself blessed and be thankful for what you have. Thank God for all of the little things He has given you and go out there and try to become a better person. The inner peace that you find within yourself when you do it...is the best feeling in the world.Hope you all have a blessed Christmas and a very happy New Year!
xo,
C
