My friend reached out and asked if I’d come to the Gospel Mission with her to serve the men. At first I was reluctant to give 3 hours of my time, but I’m glad I said yes. I have to admit I can be overprotective of my time. The “B” word pops up almost daily in my life.

I’m just too busy.

Michelle is a bigger-than-life person who connects with everyone, no matter the circumstances. She’s not hesitant to dive in and serve, and the lesson I learned on this day was very simple.

Learning to give to those in need starts with your heart. Be willing to do something for someone else.

Learning to give to those in need involves willing hands. Be willing to give of your time, even when you don’t think you have the time.

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Learning to give to those in need requires humility. Be willing to see others as God would see them.

I made myself look into the eyes of these men coming through the line for their food, just like Michelle did. Some men came with their families, some came alone, some came through the line with their friend by their side. Some made eye contact, others looked down.

It was about making others feel comfortable in a not-so-comfortable situation, about asking a simple question, How are you today? By filling the plates with nourishment and love.

I need to think more about contribution and less about my comfort.

Warmer connections come when we stop and give of our time, hearts, and hands.

Do you struggle with the “busy” word like I do?

If you missed previous days to 31 Days of Warm Connections …
Day 1: Secret Ingredient to Warmer Connections
Day 2: Bringing the Beauty of Autumn to Your Table
Day 3: Multi-Generational Pear Applesauce
Day 4: Canning Suncrest Peaches with a Friend
Day 5: How to Find Contentment
Day 6: Encouragement with Easy Pear Cobbler
Day 7: Bush’s Garbanzos, Chicken, and Quinoa Soup for a Sports Family
Day 8: More About Others
Day 9: Technology Versus People
Day 10: The Table Experience with Bush’s Beans
Day 11: Dreaming of Autumn Guests
Day 12: Gathering Around a Homemade Life
Day 13: Sisters in New York City