Free to Serve

"A hungry person is not free, but enslaved by the need to end the growling in his stomach…." Jay Litvin

I wanted to find a quote about freedom with obligations for July 4th. This wasn't the information I expected to find, but one that rings true today after serving breakfast at The Bridge, the homeless shelter in Dallas, Texas. It opened May 20, 2008 after many challenges and discussions with neighborhood advocates. The first challenge was convincing the city that there was a homeless problem. Once the commitment was made to build the comprehensive center, The Stewpot, an outreach mission of First Presbyterian of Dallas, moved its noon meal to the center, and agreed to be in charge of finding volunteers and managing the service for three meals each day. This morning we served over 750 guests. The numbers can change depending on the time of the month. Many may receive some type of assistance, and they have observed a decrease of meals served at the beginning of each month. They have served over 900. I'm not trying to depreciate the real hunger for food that the homeless experience each day, but there are other types of hunger that cannot be satisfied by a balanced meal.

The quote from Litvin was from an article he wrote for Passover. He moved his family to Mexico where he could live on $150 a year. True, there was no electricity, roads, or phone services, but neither did he have the bills that accompany these services. He found he was still hungry though, not from food but from meaning in life. He and his family did move back to the states and followed a more traditional life of bills and obligations, but now also with purpose.

"One cannot be truly free unless one knows who he really is, what he really wants and what he is meant to do.... Today, my soul no longer aches. It is nourished by a connection with the Almighty and a sense of His presence in my daily hours.... I am bound to the yoke of Torah. I am a servant (to the best of my limited abilities) of G-d's will. And I have never been more free. - Litvin

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, We acknowledge that we have so many blessings! We do not hunger for food, in fact we need portion control; we have more clothes, than space to keep them; and we have protection from the rain, the heat and the cold. We know we are fortunate and offer our praise and thanksgivings! O God, in our comfort we may quell other hungers that need to be tended. Let us feel the pang of desperate longing to serve using the gifts that you have given to each of us. Let us wear the assurance of love and may others recognize the signature of your handiwork in our countenance. Let us find relief and safety in the protection of your care, but with our rest, may we serve more faithfully and more productively to ensure all may know of freedom found in your daily presence. Amen