My granddaughter Emma is smart, compassionate, and good looking. She takes after me.
A few days ago, her mother, Lindsey, called to tell me what had been going on.
Emma started kindergarten in August. Last week, she happened to casually mention to her mother that ever since school had begun, she had been sharing her snack with a little girl in her class who never brought one.
Lindsey was concerned for the little girl, so she called Emma’s teacher to get more information. That’s when Lindsey learned her precious daughter (who takes after me) was friends with a little girl that came from an incredibly impoverished home and many days, the only food she got was the free breakfast and lunch provided by the school.
Emma’s teacher explained there were other children in her class in the same situation. That’s when Lindsey realized hunger was all around, it just wasn’t visible.
Now, Emma (who takes after me) goes to school with enough snacks to share with her little friend. Also, Lindsey is sending enough snacks so every day, every child in Emma’s class gets a snack.
Also, this past week, the school counselor from one of the local elementary schools stopped by our church. She asked Pastor Kit if our church was providing Thanksgiving meals for those in need. Pastor Kit responded, “How many do you want?”
Both Pastor Kit and the counselor agreed the Holy Spirit had led her to our church.
Now, this Thanksgiving, students in the school who would not have had a meal, are getting one. That’s because, like Lindsey making a decision, our church has made a decision. It’s to address the hidden need of the hungry.
As the holidays approach, know that life is hard and food prices are rising. God expects us to do something about it.
In talking about his final return, Jesus specifically addressed the needs of those who are hungry. He said, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
To minister to Jesus is to help those who are hungry. I pray we do our part.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, open my eyes to the needs around me. Use me as your instrument in making this world a better place. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Hunger is here. What are we going to do about it?
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 