A Night of True Service

So tonight a group of us from the College and Career's group at church went to help out at The Mission, one of the local soup kitchens. I had been there once before with the band to play some music, but I had never gone there to help with the meal.

We all got there early so we could be given our tasks and learn what we needed to do. It was about 45 minutes before the meal started so it was a little awkward just standing around while the regular helpers did what they needed to do. Once the food started getting handed out the work didn't really stop. I was assigned the task of bus boy so I wander around the room collecting the dirty dishes. I really wasn't sure what to expect as I interacted with the people there. I tried to be as polite as I could and for the most part they were all polite in return. I really really enjoyed helping out and serving those people. I felt like I was in my element and the smile on my face was totally genuine. Which is odd since I tend towards the introverted spectrum in my every day life. But I guess this was different because I was serving them. I didn't have to carry a conversation with them, but I did with one or two of them.

It was sad to see some younger faces in the crowd. Some my age and younger and for the most part if I saw them on the street I'd never guess they use a soup kitchen. There was one guy and girl there, I guess there were a couple, that were extremely polite and nice. I so wanted to get to know them, invite them to church, or just to hang out with the C&C group. It was tough to see them walk out the door.

The one shock of the night was seeing a guy from my program there. I never knew the guy personally but he was one of those extremely smart guys, but wasn't good with people. Did he finish his degree? Why hasn't he found a job? Is he at a soup kitchen because of an unbearable debt from school? It was definitely a reality check that it wouldn't take much for me to end up in his shoes.

So the question now is whether I should keep going to help out there. I know I felt pretty alive tonight doing that. Some of the regular workers found out I'm a musician, so I'm sure if I do go back they'll try and convince me to play. Honestly, I'd rather serve.

Matthew.