Doing Something for Someone Else

My church puts on a wonderful Easter production every year.  The Thursday night before the shows start for the general public, the church has an Outreach Night.  Free tickets are given out to those that cannot afford to pay for the tickets.  The church also puts on a free dinner for the those who are disadvantaged and in need during this night.   Invitations were sent  to various non-profit organizations around the Twin Cities, organizations like shelters for the homeless, addiction recovery groups, women's shelters, etc.  There were about 600 people there.  These guests and their families come for a free dinner and then get to experience an awesome Easter production, a dinner theater experience.  Many of the guests at the dinner may only eat once day, or not at all.  It was a wonderful way to show some love to those who are in need.

Last night, I volunteered to help with the dinner.  I did various roles: I played host, showed people to their tables, helped a little old lady with her meal, served milk to the kids, cleared tables, refilled water jugs, served cookies, just about whatever that needed to be done.  Then after the guests left, we all helped to clean up.  I stuck around to help the catering crew set up tables for the next day's dinner.  I learned how to set up a table cloth the right way (there is a right way!), set a place setting, and stuff coffee mugs with  napkins for decoration.  I never realized how much details there are to set up according to banquet standards.  I was pooped out by the end of the night.  But it felt good.

It felt good to do something for someone else, some stranger even.  After being so focused on this IVF cycle, it was nice to think of someone else instead of myself.  It also makes me realize that I am so blest, to have a home, a full tummy every night, a wonderful husband, and numerous things I take for granted.