It’s Saturday morning, about 7:15 am. As I sit in my office and gaze out the window, there is already a line of people snaking through the parking lot and across the street.
What could they be waiting for this early on a Saturday morning? It must be important, because it's two whole hours before the doors open.
The thoughts go through my mind. In my life, what has been important enough to stand in a line and wait for two hours?
I stood that long to attend ballgames or buy tickets. I waited in line to get into the front row at a concert. I waited in a long line to listen to a speaker. And yes, I waited in line to get on a ride at an amusement park.
I waited in line to register for classes. I waited in a long line of traffic to get to Gatlinburg or Myrtle Beach.
For what have you stood in line? Maybe to be one of the first people in the department store when it opens for a big sale, or to eat at your favorite restaurant on a Saturday night?
But let's get back to those people lined up at Edgefield United Methodist Church early on a Saturday morning. What were they waiting for? The church food pantry opens at 9 a.m.
How trivial are my lines and waits, compared to this. My waits are about choices. These people are not waiting out of choice but out of necessity.
I am thankful for the people who work to bring food ministries to people in need. At Edgefield, 87 families were served in August. Last month, we served 115.
We thank God for the opportunity to serve. We are blessed. Let's share our blessings with others.