Reality check

Last night I had the opportunity to be one of the night time hosts to a group of homeless people in my area. Every Wednesday night in September my church served as a shelter for people from our area that are homeless. We have dinner together, watch a movie and visit with each other. I have done this through out the years and feel so lucky to have been able to do this. I have learned so much from my visits with these special guests. When we first started in this program I had many misconceived ideas about people who are homeless. I was not the only one. I remember so many people from the congregation that did not want us to participate. There were all kinds of fears. Looking back now it seems so pathetic those fears... this program has been such a great blessing to those of us who have been able to serve. The thing that is hard for me is that I will probably never see these people again, they move on from this program to something else. I won't know how their story grows. They have made me far more aware of how easily anyone can slip into their situation. I wonder if I could handle it with as much grace as they seem to. Their openness to share bits of their life stories with me humble me and at times embarass me- I have been so spoiled and take so much for granted. They thank me for all that I have done when they visit but it is really I who need to thank them- They have been great life teachers to me. I pray that God will bless them on their way.