I like to eat. I like to eat good food. Most of us do. A few months ago I was invited to eat a free lunch at the local Salvation Army. I ran into some lady who found out I was a minister and she raved about the free meal that she helps provide to the community at the Salvation Army Church in Kalispell Montana. I responded in kind to her by saying... "Wow, thank you, that sounds nice." But on the inside I was like... "Nope. Not gunna happen." And life went on. Yesterday I was taking my wife to a medical appointment and we showed up about an hour early. As we sat in the parking lot I noticed the Salvation Army church neatly situated at the far end of the parking lot and it was EXPLODING with cars and people alike coming to and fro. I looked over at my wife and I said, "Hey they have a free lunch there wanna go?" We laughed. Then something hit me. Curiosity. I started thinking things like: "I wonder what it's like in there? Is the food good? Is it only for hobo's or can anyone eat there? Would it make me uncomfortable?" It was then that my wife said, "Sure. Might be a little strange, but I want to see how they minister to people." Immediately I was nervous. "Really?" I said. And we went. Walking up to the door I felt something happen that hasn't happened in YEARS. I was so nervous, I started to shake. And I knew that not only was this experience supposed to happen, God had planned for me to be very uncomfortable. Holding April's hand we entered the dated building. It reminded me of circa 1971, and smelled as such. We noticed right away the sense that we were welcome in this place. The foyer had excellent signage and we immediately saw the sign that said FREE LUNCH THIS WAY. Now you may be wondering, "Did you really think these things?" Peeps, I am a person blessed with ADHD who at the time was so nervous my hands were shaking and I happen to be a bit judgey; I can tell you that my senses were on high alert and I was taking everything in. We approached the kitchen where we were to receive our food and there were two nice gals behind the counter. I smiled at them and said, "Hi, this is our first time and we don't know what to do". The one in charge squared off at me and very kindly barked the rules. 1. Sign in first. Give us your name, gender and indicate if you are homeless or not. 2. Receive the plate of food. You may have as much as you like, but DO NOT throw your plate away. You only get ONE plate. 3. Keep all food and drink in the dining hall. (This was repeated) Please do not take any food out with you when you leave. 4. We read a sign that said, "This is a house of God, do not SWEAR." 5. Respect others. She then apologizes by saying that normally the meals are home cooked, but not today. After learning the rules we thanked her and received our plate of food. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it looked delicious. Here is what was on the menu: -Cream of broccoli and cheese soup -Peaches -Salad with a vegetable and cheese tray -Dinner rolls -A myriad of drinks (juice, milk, chocolate milk, coffee) -Dessert (Cake and donuts) We quickly looked for a place to sit in the crowded dining hall and once again I noticed how nervous I was. My wife sits in front of me and we pray. We ask God to bless our meal and we thank Him for the ministry that was provided us and ask Him to bless it richly. Then my favorite part came. We ate. And you know what? It was delicious. The soup was awesome, the salad was great, the rolls were soft, the peaches were yum. All of it was really good. It was then that the Lord spoke to me. In not so many Words He said... "Mike you go out to eat every week. You sit next to strangers in those restaurants all the time and you don't even bat an eye. Why are you so nervous now? The food is excellent, the staff is clean and nice, and you're even sitting in MY house, what is so different?" In that moment God wasn't scolding me. I believe He was teaching me. Teaching me something about the way I see others and myself. So I started to look inward and thought, "Who do you think you are? Are you nervous because you think you are better than the other people piled in here? Are you worried about what others may think about you? Are you just uncomfortable because this is something brand new to you and you are afraid of the unknown?" And God said, "What do you think?" I think it was nice to get a free delicious lunch. I think I shouldn't be so concerned about my reputation, my image, my feelings or the unknown. I think, as I said before, that God intended me to be uncomfortable. Because God uses our discomfort to remind us who we are, Blessed. I think this is how some people must feel when they attend my church of the first time. I find it interesting that God can use something as simple as a free meal to teach me so many things. If you're in need of a good meal, or would like to donate your time, talent or treasure to an amazing cause check out: The Salvation Army 110 Bountiful Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 257-4357
1 Comment
Mike, as you already know I (and now 'we') are on our own amazing journey. As are we all. Life would be beyond boring if there was nothing new to learn and experience. It's welcoming those experiences... When someone mentions something, a book, a' must try 'experience...do it! It's Divine. We are always being guided... It's just listening, isn't it?. Sending my love to you both. A. X
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