Andrew and I are starting to receive our first wedding gifts. Among them are new sheets, bedding, and a fabulous apple green KitchenAid stand mixer (Oh, the joys of retro colors in a kitchen!). But I have to say, one of the best and most surprising gifts we've received was given to us last night at the
Open Door Community.
Andrew and I are both volunteers in the foot clinic at the Open Door Community in Atlanta. Armed with soap and scalpels, we get to work on the feet of our homeless guests every Wednesday evening in hopes of relieving the pain of corns, the itch of fungus and bacteria, and above all the feeling of shame that so many of our neighbors have about their ailing bodies. It is a blessing to serve there.
But last night I was reminded that the blessing of service is not mine alone to keep. Service is never a one-way street. And last night that hit home in a very literal way. One of our friends went out of his way to get Andrew and me matching wedding gifts - little frames from Bed Bath & Beyond with messages he inscribed for both of us. I cannot tell you how touched I was to imagine the thought that must have gone into them. It was truly a gift from God. I hope I never forget the look of pride on his face as he gave us these wonderful tokens of his best wishes.
Thanks be to God for moments that upset our expectations and remind us that the Kingdom of God truly is within us - within all of us.
Blessings to yall for accepting gifts from all of those who give out of love and generosity. Too often, some folks will refuse a gift, and thus refuse and reject the giver.
ReplyDeletewonderful. My wife and I had a similar experience this year. We too serve a homeless and near homeless community in the downtown area of our hometown. This year at Christmas one of friends there gave us both thoughtful gifts. It was unexpected and really moving. May God continue to bless the work you're doing...
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