We Make Plans, and God…Makes Plans.

We Make Plans, and God…Makes Plans.

Posted by on Nov 8, 2010 in Inspiration | 5 comments

Recently I was given the opportunity to shadow our resident Scripture expert, Fr. Hilarion Kistner, O.F.M., as he worked his weekly shift at a local soup kitchen, Our Daily Bread.

And as is so often the case in life, what I thought I was there to do and what God knew I was there to do were two different things.

I had an assignment:  shadow Father, interview guests, write a piece that fit our “Food, Family, Faith” series. And that is indeed what I did. (You can find the piece here:  http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/special/default.aspx?id=19)

But God had additional items on my agenda that day.  He placed several people in my path that gave me a fresh perspective on life. Like Kathy, who for eight years has tirelessly dedicated herself to the mission of serving the guests of Our Daily Bread, with a seemingly boundless energy, and even more compassion. I grew to admire her that day.  And  Joe, the guest who, with a broad smile,  said he loves “music, dancing, and Jesus,” and who snapped his fingers as we “busted a couple of moves” in the kitchen.  And a woman who, when I asked her to fill out a photo release form, admitted that she couldn’t read. And Dan, who reminded me that you can have wealth in so many other forms than just money.

I encountered no gloom at Our Daily Bread. I encountered people who were happy, who loved God, who were grateful, who were kind. It snapped my own comfortable, and if I am being truly honest, selfish, existence into focus for me.

It was incredibly humbling. I have always written checks to places like Our Daily Bread, but I am ashamed to admit I had never actually gone in person. The experience is profound. You truly do get as much or more than you give.

I am so glad that God didn’t let me stick to just the items on my To Do list that day!

Tile handpainted by children who visit Our Daily Bread

 
 

About the Author

Ericka McCabe is the Production Editor for the book department at St. Anthony Messenger Press. She loves books, animals, music, and this great adventure we call life. Follow her on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/SAMPBookworm.
 
 
 
  • http://blog.americancatholic.org/author/lsimmons/ Lindsey Simmons

    What a great post, Ericka! Thanks for this much-needed reminder. Very inspiring! :)

  • http://www.americancatholic.org DanK

    Ericka,
    Your post supports my belief that when we encounter others we always learn something new. And sometimes, like St. Francis, we encounter God in those we serve. Dan Kroger

  • http://www.americancatholic.org Brandon Kilby

    Sounds like you had a good time. It’s amazing when you can see the plans God has made for us.

  • http://www.americancatholic.org Sandy

    Ericka, your energy is just what people at a soup kitchen can benefit from! It would be a blessing for many if it becomes a habit for you! :)

  • http://www.americancatholic.org JeanneK

    This is a great reminder that when we move beyond our comfort zone there are often riches to be found.