My first volunteer opportunity at our local Meals on Wheels program this week was very impactful. As I took my place on the assembly line to help fill 3-sectioned trays parading past me, I imagined being a recipient, not being able to choose what I’d eat that day (whether it was due to physical, financial, or other limitations), and rely on the kindness and generosity of my fellow community members. Veggie, protein, dessert. Cabbage, carrots, chicken with gravy. Two cookies, gelatin, and mushrooms with flecks of parsley. Combinations I wouldn’t necessarily choose, but provisions that someone in my community would be thankful to receive – this week.

Then I saw the bright purplish-magenta beets…covered in contrasting brown gravy. I stared for a few seconds at the concoction, then I snapped back to my assembly line role. I have never eaten (or seen, for that matter) that dish….ever. I have never seen it on Food Network or Cooking Channel. But this was going to become someone’s sustenance for the day.

I was overwhelmed with gratitude. And instantly humbled by the privilege of serving. I said a prayer over each scoop. I imagined the facial expressions of recipients when they saw either orange, green, or black cherry gelatin shimmying in its compartment of the heat-sealed tray. And I purposed in my heart to come back to volunteer with this organization again – bringing someone else with me. Where – or whom – can you serve today? Opportunities to serve others abound when we open our eyes and slow our pace long enough to really see our surroundings.

“34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
(Matthew 25:35-40)

© Copyright 2018 by Kayren J. Cathcart