To whom much is given, much will be required.

So, yesterday I experienced a continuation of "Project Homeless". Our office had committed to check 40 patients for glasses, following the original event. We got people scheduled that Thursday, gave them maps to our office, an appointment card, and a voucher for a free bus ride. The amazing opticians that I work with had elicited enough donations fro our frame and lens suppliers to provide 40 pairs of glasses, at NO COST to our guests. Incredible. Well, only about 20 of the expected 40 people showed up, but it was still great. I recognized all of them from the event last week, and it was so good to see them again! One man, Ricardo, was the first one there... he arrived at 8:00, and we weren't scheduled to begin until 9:00! Our office manager was the only one there at that time, so she sat and visited with him while he had some of the breakfast we provided. All I really know about Ricardo's circumstances is that he lives in the mission shelter downtown, and that he's one of the most positive people I know. He's one of those people who affects the life of every individual that he encounters. And let's talk about appreciative. He couldn't thank us enough for everything, from the granola bars, to the glasses, to "giving me a warm place to hang out for a couple of hours". God keeps finding ways to humble me. 

Something that was striking about our guests yesterday was the difference in attitude between the ages of the people. Every single patient over 40 years old nearly fell over themselves, thanking us for doing what we were doing. They couldn't believe that we were doing this for free, donating our time, not charging them for glasses, AND providing them with breakfast. One guest in his 80's actually said to me, "what's in it for you?". He just couldn't wrap his brain around the fact that we would do this because we care. However, I also worked with a few guests who were close to my age-- 20's-30's-- they didn't seem to be grateful for what we were doing at all! It seems like they had this attitude of entitlement-- like they just expected that there would be someone there to provide for their needs. It kind of irritated me. Part of me wanted to tell them, "there are plenty of people who showed up last Thursday who would have loved a free eye exam and pair of glasses, but you beat them to it... they'd love to be here right now-- would you at least say thank you?!" Fortunately, I wasn't alone... I talked about this with my co-workers, and they had sensed the same thing. I can't stay annoyed, though. I love these people, despite the fact that I don't know them, and may never see them again. Again, I am overwhelmed with the blessings that God continues to heap on me. 

"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11