By: Cecilia F., 2016 Community Outreach Intern
Helen (not her real name) isn’t easy to please and she’s vocal about it with us volunteers. As she walked towards me, I felt my heart drop. Did I do something to displease her?
“You have a nice, big smile. I know you’ll be good.”
I was shocked and confused by her greeting. Instantly, I was no longer anxious. Her words surprised and reassured me in what I was doing.
Volunteering at the St. Jude’s Food Bank has really opened my eyes to the way that God works through the community and through us. Each week, I am greeted by other cheerful volunteers who always remind me that my help is greatly appreciated. And before we open our doors to serve the people, we gather together and pray for the community and for other leaders in the world. When I look at the people working at the food bank, I see a community who truly want to serve those in need and I am reminded each week of God’s love and how we are His vessels for others to see His work in us.
One thing I’ve been learning is how I can show His love to those around me: this is especially important in the food bank when some people can be impatient, dissatisfied, and demanding. However, meekness and humility are two beautiful aspects of love that I am learning from the food bank. Paul says that love is not boastful and does not display itself haughtily (1 Cor. 13:4); humility serves to allow us to see dignity and worth in all of God’s people.
So as I return to the food bank next week, I hope to continue to be meek, humble and encouraging to those that I encounter. I pray that there are other people like Helen who continue to feel welcomed and that I have the courage and rely on His strength to love others with His love.
For more information on how to get involved with St. Jude’s Food Bank, please contact Pastor Sam.