I Found It!

This morning as I helped with the food distribution for the Lifeline, the food pantry ministry of the Sesser and Valier Ministerial Alliance, I found the Christmas spirit. It was not in the cool temperatures of the morning, although I would say it felt very much like winter. It wasn’t even in the fellowship that all the helpers enjoyed, but that part of the morning felt very much like Christmas to me (thanks to Beverly and others who allow me to tease them). I found the Christmas spirit in the kind words of a couple different people who thanked me (actually they were thanking all of us) for the food they received. One lady was nearly in tears for the blessing she received from the food that was given to her. All too often I hear people complain about this and other programs that “give” things to people…they only see people who do not really deserve the food…people who could and should work for what they receive. And, yes I am quite aware of those who exploit everyone who tries to help people in need, and while I believe we are called to be wise stewards of our resources, here is my guiding principles on helping the least and the last: If we fail to help those in need, we are held accountable for our actions; if we help someone who takes advantage of our generosity, they are held accountable for their actions. If I error, I will always try to error on the side of grace…grace was an acceptable practice for our Savior as he reached down to me and it is good enough for me to use in reaching out to others. And occasionally, I am blessed to see the true heart of someone whose life you have touched…that is the Christmas spirit.