humbled

This morning I met the church I have been attending to help feed the homeless breakfast and share in communion. Since May, I have been attending this church with my friends Maggie, Justin, and their three children. It has become part of my "auntie" time. I drive to their house by 8:45 Sunday morning, jump in the van, and we all ride together for the 9:15 service. I have felt welcomed since the moment I stepped foot in the sanctuary. This church gives true meaning to "love thy neighbor". I have been challenged to step out of my box since I began attending. I grew up in a church where you sat down in your pew, didn't talk during the service, didn't really get to draw during the service, and was expected to pay close attention. The first few times I attended, there were numerous children out and about in the aisle or playing in the "rocks" under the windows. It was quite a distraction and I felt myself thinking this is not how we worship! Once I focused back on the service, I looked around and noticed several same sex couples. This only distracted me temporarily as I do live near Asheville! As I have continued to attend, I have grown to enjoy seeing the many cute children who mostly just occupy the pews these days. Many of the members participate in the service through scripture readings, taking of the offering, or helping prepare the food for the gathering time after each service. I do miss having a choir to hear but the messages delivered each week are well worth attending. After my first month of attending I already had a name tag and I'm not even an official member!
Maggie and Justin were unable to attend today and I haven't been ready to attend without them...until today. I woke this morning right on time (except it was 6:00 instead of 7:00) and knew I had to go help. Again, I was stepping out of my box. Not only was attending without my friends nerve racking, but going to feed the homeless is something I had never done before. I have always wanted to, but never made the effort. I arrived, spoke to a few people, and breakfast serving began. We met in the park where the drum circle is held and the homeless lined up for biscuits, hard boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt, coffee, and juices. We made hygiene kits back in the summer and they were sitting out for the taking. I saw people heading that way, so I walked over and began speaking to each person that arrived. I gave them my biggest smile and perkiest good morning. I realized after the third or fourth person that my nervousness had disappeared. No one wanted to share stories, but each one greeted me back with a smile and good morning. I'm not real sure if anyone's life was truly affected today, but I know it made me really stop and think. Each one of those people that came today for breakfast and to share in communion is simply that, a person. Not matter how they got there or where their life is taking them next, they are each children of God.