It's our job

This morning, I had (have) a migraine and worked so hard to get us to school for story time and snack. We got there and I had forgotten that it is closed on Mondays for summer. Across the street from school is the Catholic Mission Basilica-- the beautiful building in the center of town with the old mission and the bells that you like from afar but think are too loud up close. At the Mission, they have a thing called, "Father Serra's pantry" and they give food to those in need every day. Our church (Saddleback) has a food pantry as well, but it is not near our house let alone seeing it every week.

When you saw it today (Jack) you asked, " what is that mama? What are they doing with that food there?"

I told you that some people do not have enough food, and that it is our job as people who love God to give them food. You repeated, " it IS our job!" I elaborated that since God shows us so much love, it is our job to find ways to show that same kind of love to others every day. Especially those in need of food.

I got a lump in my throat that went away quickly as we headed in our new minivan to some stores to browse around for a little computer for Charlie so that we can have TWO instead of just one-- you know, so that we can have one that says Charlie's name like we have one that says Jack's name. (oh, our problems are so different!) We had a blast running around Marshall's and Children's Orchard, I got myself a new outfit for work and even found a computer for Charlie!

I never forget how blessed we are, but the conversation about God's love for people who need food, was certainly in my past already.

We came out of Marshall's with our purchases and a little in the distance, I saw a man with a few plastic bags, long dirty hair. He was gently unrolling some toilet paper to blow his nose. Ooh- that lump in my throat came back so quick. Even though I very passionately love God and want to be His light in this dark world, I still hesitated. In this life- you will hesitate and you will skip many opportunities to do what God whispers in your ear due to our nature as people. But my job, is to teach you how to even hear God's whispering voice.

I loaded you up in the van, walked over to him and asked him if he would mind if I bought him some lunch. He said that would be fine. The man was probably over 200lbs and very tall, but his voice was small. I told him we would go and come right back with some lunch. We drove through McDonald's and that whole time I explained to you what I was doing and why. I reminded you of the people at the Mission and that it is OUR job to help people who need it-- even if just for a moment. One cheeseburger is better than zero cheeseburgers.

We got back, I gave it to the man and told him that God loves him.

It's not lost on me that God has given us many comforts. No- we do not own our home, we do not have lots of money in the bank and I don't have a gigantic diamond on my hand. But God has given us clothes, toys, shelter, new smartphones yesterday a backyard and most importantly- our love in our family that points to Him- the kind of love that is not temporary or blows away with the wind (like Solomon puts it).

This is not an accident- we have these things so that we will be available to give to others. Please don't miss this my sons. I hope that God blesses you with excess in your life-- not so that you can pile it all over yourselves-- but so that you can give to others!!!

It is OUR JOB!!!!!!!