100 Everyday Cathedrals: Day 58 – Food

What I am about to write might sound like a “Humble Brag” but I promise that isn’t the intention. Instead the intention is more a judgment on myself. So here goes, let me know if you can relate.

Once a month a group of people from my church put together a cookout for the homeless men and women of Santa Ana. We know that one meal a month doesn’t solve the problem, but its one way we can help. For us this cookout is about so much more than the burgers and hot dogs or even the Costco cake. It’s about sitting and talking and treating them dignity as brothers and sisters (Remember I said this was going to sound like a “humble brag”?). The cookout usually takes place on Saturday morning between 10:30 am and 12 pm. Which means I don’t get to participate because that’s when we have Church. Today I had the opportunity to go and be part of this ministry.

So this morning I stopped by the church, picked up some supplies and went on my way. I had my coffee in my Yeti (this will make sense in a minute) and I reached over to the passenger seat to grab my breakfast sandwich and ….. ….. IT WASN’T THERE!!!!” I had forgotten it and I couldn’t go back home because it would have made me late. You can ask Kara but I freaked out… because I was hungry. I get like Joe Pesci in the Snickers commercial when I am hungry. In the middle of my complaining, I had an epiphany and consequently my Everyday Cathedral.

I was complaining about being hungry on my way to a ministry that feeds people that ARE actually hungry and don’t always know where their next meal is coming from. I don’t always know what my next meal will be, but that’s only because I have so many options. And therein lies the point of this cathedral. I was complaining because I had to wait two hours to eat, but these men and women always have to wait. I’ve taken for granted the fact that I have an abundance of options when it comes to food. Even when my refrigerator is empty I always have the option to buy food. I was complaining about being hungry while I sipped coffee out of a Yeti that I was able to afford. My complaints were misguided and myopic. I felt foolish and embarrassed.

What are some things you take for granted.