The Least of These

Last night was my first time helping out with Lost Sheep Ministries feeding the homeless of Knoxville under the interstate bridge.  What more appropriate time then this to participate in "Thankful Thursdays" hosted, this month, by Grace Alone?




34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’


37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’


40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25: 34-40  (source)

Those of you who follow me on twitter, its well known that I've been struggling with the committments I've made for Lent.  Giving up carbinated beverages and praying before every meal.  Doesn't sound too awfully difficult does it?
 
For the past 9 7 days, my friends have listened to me whine about my headaches and encouraged me to press on.  Keeping at it has gotten easier.  The headaches haven't went away, but with each day I get more and more angry at this substance that has addicted me.  That anger makes me more resolute in following through.
 
Last night?
 
I didn't know how I would feel going in.  Would I be judgmental?  Would I openly weep for them?  Would I be able to treat them as individuals rather than objects of pity? 
 
What I felt was humilty.
 
I was put in the beverage line offering several options: fruit punch, orange juice, tea, white milk, and chocolate milk.  Most people reached for the milk, until we ran out.  Orange juice was the second most popular. 
 
What stood out to me?  Only one person asked for soda.  Sure they are probably use to their choices, since they don't change much week to week.  But over and over again, they were reaching for that which would nurish them most.
 
How pathetic, weak, and foolish I am!
 
Sure there is nothing wrong with enjoying food - if you have that luxury.  But how spoiled am I to forget that, at its base, its a sustainer of life. 
 
So today I would like to pause to thank My Sustainer.  For nurishing food and beverages.  For life.  For forgivenness.  For my home (with or without mice).  For a life so wonderful, I forget to appreciate it.
 
What are you thankful for today?