As I type L-o-v-e and C-a-r-e, it’s easy for me to understand why they named this ministry Love & Care. Today started, as usual, serving breakfast, but something different happened today. Some of the regulars who come in for a hot breakfast started recognizing me – as if I was really becoming their friend. I must admit, it felt good.
I really love my boss, Janet. She tries to come off as tough, but she is absolutely one of the most loving and caring people that I know. If you have been reading my blogs, you know that we went on a “street feed” last night, and Janet identified some people that needed more than just food. So today, Janet sent Bones (the chief culture officer and donation pick-up man) and I to two places that we visited last night. One place that we visited had no heat, so Janet arranged, and Bones and I took, this family two space heaters (the temperatures will be in the teens in Abilene tonight!). In the other place, Janet knew that a grandmother needed groceries for the weekend, as she attempts to care for her 11 grandchildren – in a home that has no more than 1,000 square feet! So, Bones and I delivered her some groceries. As you can tell, when Janet sees a need, she wants to take care of it immediately – she has “A BIAS FOR ACTION” – a lady after my own heart!
While Bones and I were out, we got a call that the Cancer Center wanted to donate some food. So, we headed to Hendrick Medical Center. While we were there, I bumped into a good friend of mine – we go way back; we played high school basketball together, but I had not seen him in a few years. I knew that he worked at Hendrick Medical Center as a pharmacist, but he was sitting in the waiting room of the Cancer Center. So, I asked, ” What are you doing here?” He said, “Well, Kris, I have been diagnosed with a non-aggressive type of leukemia.” My heart just sank. I asked him to tell me about it, and he proceeded to open up and give me the details. He seemed to really need someone to listen, and I’m grateful that I had the time. If I had not been on sabbatical, this encounter would have never taken place – God is good! Please pray for my friend, Mark Preston!
I had another outstanding sabbatical day! I sign off today with a very grateful heart!
Blessings, Kris