Good People
Our world is full of good people.
Let me give you a brief tour through my day surrounded by goodness:
Today started off with a snuggle with one of my best "people"--Bo the dog. It's wonderful to wake up to a loving, non-judgmental "person!"
Before 9am, I already had a phone call and a text from Chris and Mary Lou offering to make masks for us to deliver with food boxes to folks in need on the Navajo reservation. Two more offers came soon after. We'll be able to offer masks to help prevent the continued spread of COVID-19 to people who are among our nation's more vulnerable. Thank you!
I arrived at Hope's Kitchen to be jokingly locked out by Sam Barrett--an arrival filled with laughter and good-natured teasing. Pat Downey was there with his usual positive attitude and encouragement for all the volunteers. Marsha Siglin was there--as she always is on Wednesdays and Fridays--in spite of her worry about her dad Marshall's illness. Sadie comes to help serve the meals 2-3 times a week and is a calm, gentle presence.
A trip to the Thrift Store had me meeting with Kelly Ayers and Julie Gonzales. They're antsy to get the store opened again--but only with a plan in place to keep volunteers, staff members and shoppers as safe as possible. They, like all of our church staff, expressed how grateful they are for the church's commitment to not laying off any of our staff. And I am so grateful to them for their commitment to running a caring and healthy store.
Back to the church, then, to meet with the Native Grace council members regarding supplies for the food boxes and household supplies to be delivered to folks in need on the Navajo Nation. Pastor Norman Mark, Theresa Filfred, and Dianna Yazzie are deeply committed to caring for tribal members--especially elders--during this time of rampant coronavirus infection. They described how many elders are terrified of leaving their homes, but don't have supplies to sustain themselves. We hope to make the first deliveries of food and supplies next Saturday, May 2nd.
Next came the garage project. In order to have a safe place to store the goods for the Navajo COVID project when they are delivered, the garage needed to be cleaned out. I called Laurie Knudsen at the Bridge Shelter. The men that have been residing there during this statewide stay-at-home order had previously volunteered to help with the Navajo Relief project. Laurie asked for volunteers, and 2 minutes later Javier and Lincoln came walking across the parking lot. They moved stored items into the fellowship hall, then swept and mopped the floor with bleach. They said they were glad to get outside for a little while--but also glad they could help us as a thank you for the help Hope's Kitchen has provided during the stay-at-home time. They'll be back when we're ready to pack boxes next week!
My final person of the day was Remetha Gustafson, who has warmly welcomed Bo to her home each day while I'm working at Hope's Kitchen and doing church stuff. Bo and Remetha's dog Sophie are good friends--and knowing that Bo is entertained and well-cared-for lets me work without worry. Remetha also faithfully looks after our church finances (not an easy task right now!), and prepares food for friends that need nutritional support. I guess I should really say that Sophie the dog was my last "person" today--and she greeted me with her usual joyful exuberance. A good way to end the day.
You may not have the opportunity to be out-and-about as much as you'd like--but you can still take a mental walk through your neighborhood, through town, through the church--and think of all the people you are grateful to know. In a world filled with too much negative news--a gratitude walk may be just the reminder you need that there are so, so many good people in our community and in our lives. Put on your imaginary walking shoes and get grateful!
Psalm 4:6-8
Many people say,
“We can’t find goodness anywhere.
The light of your face has left us, Lord!”
7 But you have filled my heart with more joy.
8 I will lie down and fall asleep in peace
because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety.
Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean
Let me give you a brief tour through my day surrounded by goodness:
Today started off with a snuggle with one of my best "people"--Bo the dog. It's wonderful to wake up to a loving, non-judgmental "person!"
Before 9am, I already had a phone call and a text from Chris and Mary Lou offering to make masks for us to deliver with food boxes to folks in need on the Navajo reservation. Two more offers came soon after. We'll be able to offer masks to help prevent the continued spread of COVID-19 to people who are among our nation's more vulnerable. Thank you!
I arrived at Hope's Kitchen to be jokingly locked out by Sam Barrett--an arrival filled with laughter and good-natured teasing. Pat Downey was there with his usual positive attitude and encouragement for all the volunteers. Marsha Siglin was there--as she always is on Wednesdays and Fridays--in spite of her worry about her dad Marshall's illness. Sadie comes to help serve the meals 2-3 times a week and is a calm, gentle presence.
A trip to the Thrift Store had me meeting with Kelly Ayers and Julie Gonzales. They're antsy to get the store opened again--but only with a plan in place to keep volunteers, staff members and shoppers as safe as possible. They, like all of our church staff, expressed how grateful they are for the church's commitment to not laying off any of our staff. And I am so grateful to them for their commitment to running a caring and healthy store.
Back to the church, then, to meet with the Native Grace council members regarding supplies for the food boxes and household supplies to be delivered to folks in need on the Navajo Nation. Pastor Norman Mark, Theresa Filfred, and Dianna Yazzie are deeply committed to caring for tribal members--especially elders--during this time of rampant coronavirus infection. They described how many elders are terrified of leaving their homes, but don't have supplies to sustain themselves. We hope to make the first deliveries of food and supplies next Saturday, May 2nd.
Next came the garage project. In order to have a safe place to store the goods for the Navajo COVID project when they are delivered, the garage needed to be cleaned out. I called Laurie Knudsen at the Bridge Shelter. The men that have been residing there during this statewide stay-at-home order had previously volunteered to help with the Navajo Relief project. Laurie asked for volunteers, and 2 minutes later Javier and Lincoln came walking across the parking lot. They moved stored items into the fellowship hall, then swept and mopped the floor with bleach. They said they were glad to get outside for a little while--but also glad they could help us as a thank you for the help Hope's Kitchen has provided during the stay-at-home time. They'll be back when we're ready to pack boxes next week!
My final person of the day was Remetha Gustafson, who has warmly welcomed Bo to her home each day while I'm working at Hope's Kitchen and doing church stuff. Bo and Remetha's dog Sophie are good friends--and knowing that Bo is entertained and well-cared-for lets me work without worry. Remetha also faithfully looks after our church finances (not an easy task right now!), and prepares food for friends that need nutritional support. I guess I should really say that Sophie the dog was my last "person" today--and she greeted me with her usual joyful exuberance. A good way to end the day.
You may not have the opportunity to be out-and-about as much as you'd like--but you can still take a mental walk through your neighborhood, through town, through the church--and think of all the people you are grateful to know. In a world filled with too much negative news--a gratitude walk may be just the reminder you need that there are so, so many good people in our community and in our lives. Put on your imaginary walking shoes and get grateful!
Psalm 4:6-8
Many people say,
“We can’t find goodness anywhere.
The light of your face has left us, Lord!”
7 But you have filled my heart with more joy.
8 I will lie down and fall asleep in peace
because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety.
Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean
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