Our reading for Unit 3, Day 2 was Matthew 13:31-33. The parable of the mustard seed is quite familiar – a small investment yielding unbelievable returns.
It’s the excerpts From Our Own Times that spoke to me. They focused on the Crop Walk. This is a great activity, and First Presbyterian takes part each year. Though it’s months away, keep this excellent service opportunity in mind. It’s a great way to build community with members of our church as well as members of other churches and to give back to the Arlington community and the greater world community.
Give thought to the Faith in Action Step for this day. Think of ways to learn more about those experiencing hunger in our own community. There are multiple ways to do this, but taking that first step is not easy. How do you carve out time to volunteer at AFAC? What about serving a meal at A-SPAN? Something as small as stopping and talking to a homeless person who you pass on the street everyday can seem like one of the most difficult things to do.
I’ve worked at the same place for the last four and a half years. Each day, I pass several homeless people – usually the same people – on my way between the bus or Metro and my office. Last winter, one of the regulars wasn’t there one morning. The following morning, there was a small sign in his usual place reading, “R.I.P. Mr. Richard.” Several passers-by had left flowers. I’d seen him practically everyday for more than three years and I didn’t even know his name until I saw that sign.
I pass several people everyday in the few blocks between the Metro and my office. I’ve given them money from time to time, given a weak and evasive smile as I pass by, and wished them good luck or to stay warm on a cold night, but I’ve never felt comfortable moving beyond that. This week, I’m going to challenge myself to say hello to one of the people I pass daily, to introduce myself and learn his name. I can’t promise that I’ll be successful, but I’m going to keep this in mind everyday when I walk to and from work.
To succeed I’ll need help from God, and I pray for his assistance and strength. My prayers will continue to be with the people I see everyday.