"Cranky and Unappreciative?" - Published in The Upper Room 10/31/2013

Background
I thoroughly enjoyed the five winters I served at the cold weather shelter in Westminster, Maryland. Each Friday from November to March our group would help clients sign in to the overnight shelter starting at 7PM and we'd check through bags and backpacks for weapons and drugs. We would also provide and serve a hot meal, hand out toiletries, and then stay until a local deputy arrived around 11PM. I got to know many of clients. 'Electric Man' was convinced that his shoes set off sparks as he walked across the floor and he was constantly checking his food because he was sure the government was putting stuff in it so they could track him. Before his paranoia got the best of him, he worked as a physicist and we used to have long conversations about all things science. 'Bandana Mike' was a cranky guy who seemed to always want to pick a fight with someone. We got along, though, because we were fans of the same football team. I usually wore my Redskins hoodie because I knew that way I wouldn't have any trouble with him. Ha! Serving at the shelter was more about building relationships than anything else. That's what I decided to write about...

Scripture Reading - John 21:15-17 (NIV)
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

Focus Scripture - John 21: 15 (NRSV)
Jesus said to [Peter], "Feed my lambs."

Cranky and Unappreciative?

     When I began serving at a homeless shelter, I assumed the guests would be appreciative. But several complained about the menu and others snatched their plate in silence. Most met my smile with sideways glances that spoke of wariness and distrust. I though angrily, How dare they treat me this way! They don't even know me!
     Then I heard God speaking through my frustration: "Jill, do you know them?" The next week I began to actually sit and eat with the guests. I asked, "How are you" and took the time to listen - not only to what was said but also to what was not said. I heard the sadness in the tone of voice, observed the forced smile, and was touched by the eyes glassy with tears. I learned names and heard stories. Those I once saw only as grouch and ungrateful became sisters and brothers - each with their own unique pains of the past, fears of the present, and hopes for the future.
     In our reading for today, Jesus gave Peter some very specific directions about shoeing his love for Christ by serving others: "Feed my lambs... Tend my sheep". We are called to feed and tend to even those who, at first, seem cranky and unappreciative.

Prayer
Dear God, help us discover how we might tend to the physical and spiritual needs of the people around us. Amen.