Dear Reader Column 02-19-08

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Dear Reader,

When I lived in Madison, Wisconsin I ran a free meal program called Meals for Madison. Every Friday at noon I served a free meal to anyone who showed up for lunch. Restaurants would cook food, corporations would donate money and I'd invite 10 to 12 business people to help set the tables and prepare the last minute items such as deviled eggs. (I can't serve a meal without deviled eggs.) Then we'd dish up a buffet-style lunch to 150 people and clean up afterwards.

It gave me a good feeling to be able to do something for others in my community, but actually the most precious thing to me about the meal program, was that it was a place where I allowed myself not to judge other people. Every person who walked through the door was served a meal and I welcomed them as if they were sitting down at my own dining room table.

I'm not suggesting judging other people was some horrible trait of mine, (granted I do my fair share) but I noticed that when I was at the meal site the thought 'Does this person deserve this meal?' never crossed my mind, I simply welcomed each person with open arms and it was a wonderful feeling for both of us.

Looking back, the meal program was like a training ground for me, and it's a feeling I can refer back to whenever I catch myself sizing up another person--which hopefully isn't too often.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
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http://www.DearReader.com

Comments

[marleen]

Dear Suzanne,
You reminded me of some of the best days I had with my children when they were young. Many years ago my church provided lunch on Sunday afternoon in the square of our city. Unless the weather wasn't bad, we served it on the curb not too far from a hospital. It was calkled "feed the homeless" but we often got people who were visiting friends or relatives at the hospital or people who were just lonely and needed the contact of other humans. Whatever the reason, they were welcomed. Over the years that we were involved, many people would remark, "How do you know they need this food?" My answer was always - I don't and it's not always about the food. Whatever the reason, whatever the need, that's okay by me. My children and i learned alot about people from this experience - and not all of them came to our tables!
Thanks for sharing.