Loving our Neighbors

For the past few years, our church has been involved in year-long community ministry with a special emphasis week in July called "Mission Winston-Salem." You may remember that I blogged about our involvement last year here and here and here. To be honest, I didn't really do any of the family activities with the kids this year. We had just gotten back from our camping trip and Matthew had had sports camp, and I still don't really have a decent excuse. I did end up taking "after" portraits of some ladies during a "Pamper Day" event. That was a definite blessing that I hope to do again next year, but it clearly did not involve my own children.

Last week, the kiddos and I were headed home after a trip to the grocery store when we saw a man standing near the line of cars across the intersection. Matthew pointed him out to me, and I think it was the first time we had ever had a conversation about "panhandlers." Here we go, I thought. Teachable moment! Matthew and Michael were intrigued with the idea that someone might not have a home to go to, and we brainstormed what that person might be feeling and thinking and needing and experiencing. I was so proud of our boys. Not only did they bring up physical needs, but they showed insight to his emotional and spiritual needs, as well.

Several years ago, a friend shared with me the idea of keeping a bag in the car filled with a few toiletries and snacks and water to share with the "sign men." I filed that idea away but never followed through with it. You know, it's so easy to keep your hands on the steering wheel and stare straight ahead and ignore the eyes that are seeking yours. While I once gave my lunch away to this type of man and have even given cash on occasion (believing that I need to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading...and I was called to the giving without concern for the spending), I have often been guilty of ignoring the men, as well. Well, you can't very well have a conversation like this with your very impressionable five- and seven-year-old and not take more definitive action.

I did a little internet research for ideas and this morning we headed to Wal-Mart for supplies. Again, such a teachable moment of how God has blessed us and how we can demonstrate His love for His children by meeting some very earthly needs. Matthew couldn't wait to tell our cashier what we were doing. After bringing the supplies home, we divided everything up to make four "Hospitality bags" - one for each car with two extras to spare. The gallon-size ziplock bags contain: Vienna sausages, a small can of ravioli, a fruit cup, a granola bar, cheese crackers, Skittles, individual packets of ibuprophin, socks, hand lotion, soap, pudding, a dry washcloth, a spoon and napkins in a smaller ziplock bag, and a bottle of water. Matthew decorated a card for each bag, and I added a brief note with a Bible verse. Then we had a short prayer thanking God for His blessing in our lives and for the men (or women, of course) that God would bring to our side.

Because the truth is, how can it be that we are so fortunate? How can it be that the choices I have had to make in life have been so easy? How can it be that my mental health is good enough that I am able to responsible for myself and my family? How can it be that I am fortunate enough not to have been swallowed by addiction? There but for the grace of God go I. And I think it's part of my responsibility as a parent to teach and encourage our children to look beyond their own existance to the ways that God can use their lives to reach others.

Since I only work part-time and Alan had to take a paycut (after a job loss earlier this year), our budget has gotten tighter over the course of the year. However, I think one of the biggest lessons/blessings that God gave us through Alan's job loss was the reminder that He indeed IS Jehovah Jireh - our provider! And He has very mightly equipped us - despite limits in our spending - to help provide for others.

I am sharing this on my blog NOT NOT NOT to toot my (our) own horn. I just think that this is such an easy, practical, useful way to show Christ's love to "our neighbors." I am hoping that others will feel lead to try this idea, too, for an impact on the community.