To Freely Give

Saturday started off with a chill, misting rains, and an overcast sky.  I had set aside a few hours of the day to help at the free Dental Day at my Dr. Kellogg's office, Howell Dental Center.  It has only taken Kristin Lewis, the volunteer coordinator for Heart of the Shepherd, about three years of asking for me to finally find a way to participate.  As with any activity that pulls me out of my comfort zone- any unchartered territory with people I don't know- I felt an air of anxiety that beckoned me to turn the car around.  I didn't.  I'm so glad.

I was assigned the food station.  Dozens of people had shown up early in the morning to be the firsts to sign up for dental care they would otherwise not be able to afford.  Dr. Kellogg and his Dental Day crew (particularly Kristin Lewis, whom had been responsible for seeking donations this year) had arranged a free breakfast for all of the patients.  Hot coffee was certainly the most popular item given the weather, but the donuts and bagels were also well received.

In the lull between breakfast and lunch, I took the opportunity to chat with some of the patients.  There were a couple of kids there, so I had fun drawing with chalk while the weather allowed and getting to know a few cuties.  There was a bounce house, crafts, and a petting zoo, all thoughtfully supplied for the long wait.  Meanwhile, there were constant raffle drawings with a ton of prizes and a goal that no one walk away empty handed.  I hope you are feeling the spirit of generosity that was among us Saturday.  It was amazing!

For the first time ever, I seized the opportunity to pray with a complete stranger as a woman shared with me that she had just been diagnosed with lymphoma and needed four teeth pulled before she began chemotherapy.  It was certainly a moment of growth for me, as I learn to be ready for the moments when God places people in front of me whom are in need of ministering.

Lunch came early at ten.  There was plenty for everyone, but we couldn't serve the grilled hot dogs, chips, and cookies fast enough.  Very early in the line, a giant of a man stepped up and it was clear one hot dog just wouldn't be sufficient for a gentleman who towered over me.  We offered him two.  "Could I?  Thanks!" he said, graciously.  I felt this incredible joy that I could so freely give because there was an abundant supply.  I kept hearing everyone's gratitude.  I was thanked over and over again, but I was offering nothing more than a helping hand.  I was surrounded by incredible generosity and all I had done was show up.  I suddenly felt so indescribably blessed and humbled to have been invited to be a part of it.  There were so many who were offering financial support and their talents to make this day happen, and here I was being blessed by the grateful hearts receiving all of this goodness!

I had not purchased the food.  I didn't prepare it.  I was simply a vessel of providing another person's kindness to those in need.  I realized in that moment that I was also receiving a gift that day, just to be a part of their generosity.  That someone should thank me for being there felt incredibly odd, because I couldn't have been anymore grateful to have been invited to be a part of it.  Then a thought suddenly occurred to me that I am invited every day to partake in God's generosity and bless it forward to others.  What an amazing thought!  Anything I am able to give is directly from the hand of God.

Jesus instructed his disciples: Freely you have received, freely give.  How amazing it is that we have received freely from God the gifts of life, talents, and treasures, and we can freely give, because He offers a bountiful supply.  What a wonderful example Dental Day was of the gift it is just to participate in His Abundant Love!  Thank you, Dr. Kellogg and your staff for letting me be a part of it!