I went into the dining hall at Faith Mission during lunch the other day to get a cup of coffee. 30 minutes later, I still hadn’t filled my coffee cup. For that short half hour period, it was my pleasure to sit and visit with people about everything under the sun. We didn’t make any earth-shattering decisions or solve any problems, we just visited. Many of them thanked me for the meal, even though I had nothing to do with preparing it. Some wanted to just catch me up on their latest endeavors, how the job search was going or how their sick brother was doing.
I got updates on surgeries, suggestions on better ways to prepare chicken and even some political advice. I was amazed at how many would tell me how blessed they were to be alive another day or say something like, “I’m better than I deserve.” Interestingly enough, I didn’t hear a single complaint.
That’s not to say there weren’t any. They just didn’t aim them my way. But even if they had, I would have still gone away with the same impression. My mind wouldn’t have changed about this one thing …
People need people. People need relationships.
For a few minutes each day, that dining hall becomes a place to belong. Even the ones who sit quietly and stay to themselves seem to get something out of being in a room with other people. If you catch their eye for a moment, they will give you the upward nod and maybe even a smile.
I wonder how many men and women leave our dining hall thinking about that experience. How many of them are glad they came and got more than a meal. They may not show it, but I have to believe that many of them show up for reasons other than an empty stomach. And we would be missing a great opportunity to be a part of those reasons if we didn’t take the time to visit.
A few weeks ago, I said on this broadcast that I don’t participate in New Year’s resolutions, but this year I’ve made an exception. My New Year’s resolution for 2024 is to spend more time in our dining hall. I need people in my life as much as anybody, and what better place to be than with folks who may not have anyone else. Yes, the conversations my be trivial, but the fellowship will be sweet. And who knows what blessing I will come away with.
