Service Day 6: Big Things Come in Small Packages by Cathy Grace

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,  and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;  for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’  Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing?  And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’  And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
                                                                                                                             – Matthew 25: 32-40

(This story is a composite of the circumstances facing 140+ children in grades K-6 that FUMC serves through a ministry called week-end backpack sacks of food.)

Joe is a third grader in the Tupelo School District. He has a young sister, Mary in kindergarten. Joe and Mary get a weekend food sack to help them make it through the two days they are not eating “school” food. Joe and Mary are being raised by their disabled grandfather who has limited resources. Joe has thanked his teacher for the food and told her that it really helps make the weekend better. The children do not know who provides the food, but knows someone cares and remembers them. Jesus reminds us that when we feed the less fortunate, we are in fact feeding him. The volunteers who order, pack and deliver the food to the schools are the “boots” on the ground regarding this ministry, but everyone can help by donating funds to keep the sacks filled and stomachs full.

PRAYER: Dear God, Help us remember the forgotten ones. Help us to feed the young souls in our town not only with food, but with kindness so they will grow into healthy, productive citizens who have a love for you and others in the community. Help them to find it in their hearts to show respect for everyone, regardless of their differences. Help us to do the same. Amen.
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Making one small gesture of kindness can yield a return too large to measure in human terms.

written by Cathy Grace

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