Thankful Thursday

A warm meal.

 

A warm house.

 

All things we take for granted.

Last night I had such an amazing and humbling experience - I was able to cook and serve dinner for the residents of Tent City that are currently residing at my church. The night was wonderful and I can't stop thinking about it.

 

When I was a teenager I was very involved with my youth group and outreach in my community.  I feel as I have gotten older I have used my "busy schedule" as an excuse and have not made volunteer work a priority.  After last night, I know I need to do more. 

 

I loved getting my friends together to do something good for my community.  A simple task such as cooking dinner - something we all do every night - for people that needed it felt rewarding and made me realize that my "life problems" are not so big in life's bigger picture. As the holiday season approaches it makes me want to do more for others and give more of my time to make someones holiday season merry and bright.

 

Today I am thankful for good friends that helped made last nights dinner possible. I couldn't have done it without you. 

 

Tonight when you go home and have dinner, climb in to a comfortable bed and heated house be sure you give thanks and count your blessings for all of the things you have. 

*Tent City 4 is a homeless encampment of up to 100 people created in May 2004 in eastern King County outside of Seattle. Residents are adult men and women, although there is a provision for quartering minor dependents in emergency situations. Residents may have their own tents or single men or women may stay in gender specific community tents. Dumpsters and portable toilets are provided and there is a portable shower. The community currently relocates every three to four months on the property of Eastern King County churches upon invitation. Proponents state that the average length of residency per inhabitant is six weeks, with fewer long-term than short-term members. via