Thursday, November 08, 2007

... Thanksgiving

When the children at the homeless shelter I volunteer with were asked what they wanted to cook us for dinner, they came up with a menu that included oreo salad and mac & cheese topped with chocolate syrup. I suppose that's how they would want to be thanked if they were in our shoes.

I spend a few hours a day, a few days a week, tutoring children at a homeless shelter. PG Wodehouse once said "As we grow older and realize more clearly the limitations of human happiness, we come to see that they only real and abiding pleasure in life is to give pleasure to other people." It certainly proves true in my life. I receive much pleasure from these children. In spite of the rough lives they live, they are full of kindness and joy. They are appreciative and grateful. I am blessed by the perspective they give me. Blessed to be able to spend time with them.

Yet tonight, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, instead of us providing a meal for them, they provided a meal for a number of the volunteers. During our meal, one of the 8 year-olds presented me with a special award -- a copy of a painting she did for the annual art auction. It's titled "Pom Poms Gone Wild" and when she was asked about it she responded "That's what happens when you let them loose!"

I wish I could share some of my experiences with you in more detail, maybe show you a picture or two of some of the cuties, however, because some of them are under court-ordered protection, I can't. But if you are local and at all interested in spending some time with them, let me know. There are many ways to help out at the shelter and many blessings to be had because of it.

6 comments:

Billie said...

I tried looking for something like this in my area and couldn't...not because there is nothing but because I just don't know how to look. Maybe you could give me some help in finding something. This is great. Thanks for sharing.

Jessica Rockey said...

What a beautiful painting! Pom Pom's gone wild?! Don't you love the way children think?
One of my favorite things is getting pictures from my ballet students. I'm always the BIG ONE in the middle, but I try not to take it personally!
Do you ever get to take any of the kids on a fieldtrip? My ballet is monday dec. 3rd... just a thought.

The LeValley Family said...

That sounds like a great investment of time! And I love the logic behind reason she painted Pom Poms Gone Wild!

Kate Van said...

Wow what a special gift, she's talented and creative. thanks for investing in their lives Michelle!

Jennifer said...

Michelle- As much as they're a blessing to you I know those children are being blessed by you. What a precious gift. I look forward to involving myself more with volunteering. Right now, I'm trying to look for ways to love my children and the children around me.

JL

Ashleigh said...

Love the story of the picture. What a beautiful job she did!

And, what a great way to invest your time, Michelle!