Today as I was arriving at the center, someone was filling up our Blessing Box. I stuck my head out of my car window and said "Thank you very much" as she was getting back in her car to drive away. She had a mask on, so I couldn't see much of her face, but I truly am grateful for her generosity. There are few people who put items in the box, and there are many who often stop by looking to see if there is anything in the box.
A few minutes later, after I had put my things down inside, I went back outside to take care of something else and found a neighbor looking in the box, but he honestly looked a little lost. I asked if there was anything I could do to help. He asked if I could give him a whole new life. I told him I couldn't do anything that powerful, but I could certainly pray for him, if that was alright. He told me that would be wonderful, and then told me a bit more about his needs.
After we chatted a bit more and he began selecting a few items from the box, another neighbor came by and asked if it would be alright if he had a roll of toilet paper, because that was what he really needed. I told him of course that would be okay, and handed it to him with a smile (not that he could see; I was wearing my mask). Finally, I prayed for the first neighbor and he went on his way.
On my way back inside I was struck once again by how blessed it is to be a blessing, and how honored I am to serve in this place. I am so grateful I went outside when I did so that I could meet two new neighbors and share just a moment of grace with them. I am so grateful for the generosity of strangers which make the Blessing Box such a gift to these neighbors when they are desperate for simple things like toilet paper (and in this pandemic I think we can all relate to that!)
"The generous will themselves be blessed,
for they share their food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9