Unworthy

Today I had the opportunity and honor to serve at the local Salvation Army. A group of about 15 of us from church went down there to help out for a few hours. We went in not really knowing what we were doing. We were told we would probably help organize their pantry and help prepare and serve a meal. Well when we got there, the plans had completely changed. We were told to divide up the girls from the guys.

Earlier that day, a truck filled with 10 tons of potatoes had arrived. The guys were instructed to help unload the truck and us girls were asked to go to the dorms. Did you know they had dorms at the Salvation Army? I knew they had living quarters, but I had no idea the living area was right next to the donation area and the kitchen. I'm going to be completely honest, when I found out we weren't serving a meal I was kind of bummed. I was really looking forward to doing the typical Salvation Army thing. Silly me. The Lord had completely planned this whole thing. He was going to teach us a lesson. And boy did I ever learn one.

So there I was, mopping the hallway of the dorms. There was a long hallway with doors on both sides. On the other side of some of these plane wooden doors was a big room filled with bunk beds. They were lined up one right after the other. In one room, there were no bunk beds, but there was a few beds right in a row. I began to make my way down the hall when I glanced into one of the rooms and saw an adorable elderly man. That was when it hit me... this is their home. This is where they lay to rest. This is where they find safety and solitude.

About five or so minutes after I glanced in that room, the very same elderly man came walking out. He reminded me a lot of my own grandfather. He had a kind approach about him. You could tell he was filled with love and had a quick wit. He was very concerned about messing up "my" clean floors. I remember thinking to myself, "This is your floors. This is your home. I'm the intruder here."

Needless to say, when I walked in the front door of my home, I felt completely different. I walked in and saw no flaws. Nothing that should be fixed. Nothing that should be bigger or more modern. Nothing but blessings. I live in a home with wooden floors and doors without windows. I sleep in a bedroom with one bed.

Towards the end of our time there, I met a young man living in the dorms. He goes to church with me. I had no idea. I really do not think I can describe the thoughts that were going through my head or the emotions I experienced when I was standing in front of this guy talking about Bible study and catching a ride to our church the next morning. I guess one thing I can explain would be the slap in the face that God presented to me. We are all the same. We are all His children. When we are in His presence we are all His prized possession. For this gentleman, going to church was not something to check off his list for the week. For this man, going to church was the highlight of his week. Can you believe he is going to volunteer at the Salvation Army? He is going to volunteer. He kept talking about how he knew what it is all about, and he wanted to serve as well. Someone with such little... wanting to give, to serve, to show love.

How petty are the worries of my life. I am so blessed. I am beyond blessed. I am excessively blessed. Why? Why me? Why not him? I do not deserve anything. I am so unworthy.

James 1:18

He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.