Lunch in Springfield
Jim and I are constantly amazed at how our journey takes us to destinations for one reason and blesses us with other reasons. So far, our destinations have been mostly driven by Jim’s love of history. We believe God gave him that passion so what better way to use that gift, than to guide our journey. Wherever we go, we have learned to reach out to the local United Way to learn about places in need of volunteers. Each time, we have been blessed by the organizations and people we have met along the way. The thought often crosses my mind that our destination isn’t really determined by us – there are no coincidences.
Leaving New York, we moved quickly to our first destination of Springfield, IL, making two overnight stops on the way. We learned of one of those stops from our dear friends who traveled the same path earlier in the summer. It was a beautiful spot along a creek. As soon as we saw where we were parking, we wished we were staying longer. The couple and hosts of Camp Rocky Run greeted us upon arrival, cookies in hand. They were such a fabulous couple, on a mission of their own. We chatted with them for quite a while. It was great to learn about them (fellow RVers) and they about us. It turns out our discussions led to us supporting each other in unexpected ways. Again, no coincidences.
We arrived in Springfield already prepared to serve in this historical town – The Land of Lincoln. We are getting a little better at scheduling our volunteering time in advance! After a long break over the summer, we were thrilled to be giving back to the communities we were visiting.
This time we would be serving lunch at St. John’s Breadline. Since most of volunteering in the past was spent “behind the scenes”, we were very excited that we would finally have face to face time with the people we served. Open 365 days a year, St. John’s has been serving the Springfield community since 1928! Volunteers arrive in the morning to prepare 300-400 healthy meals a day. Our task for the day would be serving lunch alongside the dedicated local volunteers.
Although we had moments last year when we interacted with the people we served, this was the first time we experienced so many people in need. I am a little ashamed to say I was surprised. Life was too busy to really see what is going on around us in our communities. It is easy to pretend poverty isn’t happening if we aren’t looking.
As we served lunch, so many thoughts ran through my mind. I would tell the people getting their meal to have a great day but started to question what that phrase meant to them? Can they have a great day when they are headed back to their tent under a bridge? Are they the victim of sex trafficking and headed back to more abuse? The thoughts continued. What happened to this person to be here at this point in their life? Was it generational poverty, drugs or alcohol, a disability, or loss of a job? At any moment I (or any of us) could be in their shoes. My heart was heavy. The only thing I could compare it to was the heaviness I have felt for my child in trying times. It was deep and it hurt.
As the thoughts continued, another thought was competing for my attention. Keep telling them to have a great day, keep smiling, keep seeing them. It doesn’t matter how they got here, pray for them. And so I did just that, hoping I displayed just how much I cared for each of them. I will be honest, it still hurt. However, I believe God was speaking to me, encouraging us to do exactly what He called us to do – love and serve others.
The irony in being exposed to those in need at St. John’s Breadline, was being in this historical location, proudly recognized for Abraham Lincoln’s legacy. During our stay, we visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. There I learned more about slavery and President Lincoln’s desire to abolish it. In Jim’s story, The Land of Lincoln, he shared how it was likely Lincoln was exposed to slavery as a young man – likely never forgetting those images. In our visit, we learned how conflicted Lincoln was about slavery. Even his wife came from a family of slave owners. His decision to abolish slavery was not only divided in society, but likely in his own extended family.
As we read the statistics of slavery and saw the photos, it was hard to forget. So many suffered in bondage. How is it possible that other humans could be divided on the topic. But yet they were – and some still are today.
How similar a story to those in need at St. John’s Breadline. How many are in bondage – bondage from bad choices, mental illness, or past mistakes. Stop and think about that. How many times have we all made bad choices in our lives but were fortunate to have family to support us. Maybe we were young and grew out of the bad decision years unscathed. Or maybe we found a relationship with God and our direction changed. Regardless of the decision, we were fortunate to come out better on the other side, free of our own bondage.
I can tell you one thing for certain. In my younger years of bad decisions, I had a sense of self-importance, I lacked humility and likely wasn’t grateful. The people we served on this day were selfless, humble, and thankful for the simple act of serving them.
Perhaps we could learn from their example. Maybe we can consider our own stories of bondage and be less judgemental and more loving to those still experiencing their personal bondage. Like Lincoln, we can let our hearts direct our decisions, despite the views of a divided society, and advocate for those suffering. Put aside our own selfish desires in order to love and serve like Jesus did. That is all He asks after all.
As the line started to lessen and the cafeteria was filled with people enjoying a warm meal, we had time to get to know our fellow volunteers. It is funny how you can just meet a person and walk away calling them friend.
As we left our new friends, we wanted to come back another time, we did not want to say good-bye. However, the mission as we know it now, is to keep moving, keep meeting people, and to continue serving in the communities we visit. So, we left all of those at St. John’s Breadline in God’s capable hands, hoping to one day cross paths again. To Loretta, Gayla, and Dotie, it was a pleasure getting to know you. We love you all and thank you for your selflessness and commitment to serving those in need. You inspire us!
