I recently celebrated another birthday. I received numerous well wishes via social media; a phone call or two from close family, a great meal followed by cake and presents with the wife and kids; and three birthday cards delivered the old fashion way via the US Postal Service. While all of those things were meaningful, there was one of those old school birthday cards that had an extra special message. That special birthday card was from a soup kitchen. Yes, a soup kitchen.
The special card was sent by Angel House Soup Kitchen. Angel House is located in downtown Austin. Since 1990, the kitchen has been serving a hot lunch meal to the homeless and economically disadvantage seven days a week. Today the number of people receiving this life sustaining service averages over 300 each day.
My oldest daughter and I have volunteered at the Angel House several times. The volunteering involves assisting with the preparation of the meal, which always includes a huge pot of soup, and also serving the meal to the long line of people queued up when the doors open each morning at 11a. A day of volunteering takes 3-4 hours; a small amount time that makes a big impact in the community.
Now back to that birthday card. The message on the card:
Our prayer for you on this very special day –
The day that God created you in His image –
Is that it will be all that He wants for you!
A day to rejoice and be glad. It’s your day!
I recently wrote about trying to be joyful each day. Receiving a message to “rejoice and be glad” felt like a great reminder to find happiness in each day – not just on your birthday. Receiving the card was also a good reminder that it probably time to arrange another volunteer day at the kitchen. All too often we get caught up in our busy lives and forget that we need to find time to give back to others around us. This birthday card made me stop and remember that we need to share our blessings with others.
If you are interested in learning more about the Angel House Soup Kitchen or want to arrange a day to volunteer or want to make a small monetary donation to a great organization, you can find out more at: www.angelhouse-abc.com
Robert Not Bob 