It’s Not About the Food
Ephesians 6:7
7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not man, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
What a blessing to be able to live in this beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry. I am a Georgia girl, born and raised in Atlanta, but my heart has always longed to live near the beaches and marshes. Bluffton is definitely my happy place. I love the abundant wildlife, beautiful foliage, blue skies, the expansive waterways, but what I love most is the generous and caring nature of the people in this community. There are endless opportunities to serve and help those who are struggling due to abuse, hunger, unemployment, immigration issues, grief, and other obstacles.
When I retired in 2010, I could not wait to get involved. I belonged to a small church in a rural Georgia town and we participated in a summer lunch program for children. We prepared and delivered over 250 meals each day. We delivered in pairs because some of the areas we served were considered unsafe. We began going door to door until the children got used to seeing us. Then they would be waiting for us. It was hard work and we were like the mailman, delivering regardless of the weather.
But there were times when I was questioning my choice in participating in this program. That is when God taught me one of the best lessons ever. It was the last Friday before school started and I was so excited for this project to end. When we pulled into a driveway across the street from the church, 8-year-old Ciera launched off the porch and into my arms. She took my hand and put a small note in it as she hugged us both and told us she would miss seeing us. We loved on her and told her we would miss her, too. She took the lunches and ran back into the house.
We got into the car and read the note.
We were both crying with the passion of her words. Her prayer was so sincere and I could hear her talking to the Lord. It wasn’t about the food, though she enjoyed receiving it. It was about the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and in this child to save just one.
Linda Laird
