Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I've been busy getting things ready and yesterday as we were leaving Walmart my 4 year old said "mommy why is that man sitting on the ground?" I looked over and there sat a man with dirty clothes, face and hands with a saddened almost devastated look on his face. His sign read: "Out of work HUNGRY". I told Landin that he could possibly be homeless and he asked what homeless means and I explained to him that others are as fortunate as we are and by the end of the conversation I was a mess. I cried all the way to the mall. Everything I take for granted everyday ran through my mind. I feel a strong conviction when it comes to those who are less fortunate than I am. I often wonder what happened in their lives that lead them to this point. If we stopped for one second to even imagine the path their feet have taken would our hearts be broken? I pray often for God to allow me to see the world as he sees it and days like yesterday are heartbreaking. I look at my life and realize how often I complain and take things for granted. How blessed am I to have a warm home to come home to, the ability to grocery shop wherever I want and get whatever I want (I do shop on a budget but I def. don't go without) I can go to my closet and I have more than enough choices of clean clothes to wear and yet at times its not enough!!
I've shared before that I did have a rough childhood and if I think back there are times where I did without and it was normal to me. I can remember my mom going to food banks and getting groceries. If it wasn't for the kindness and generosity of others (strangers) I might have went even more hungry a time or two. My family wasn't fully aware of the situation I'm sure that had they known what was going on they would have helped. I can remember bouncing around with no permanant home and feeling lost. So on a very very very small scale I can relate to some of the feelings that those who are less fortunate have. I thank God for saving me and blessing me beyond what I even deserve. I want to encourage you with this post by asking you this holiday season (or anytime of the year really) to take some time and give to those who do without. Whether its donating food to a local food pantry or volunteering at the many shelters, soup kitchens or food banks. You just never know the impact you can have on others :)
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