Midwest Food Bank

Last Friday, we volunteered at the Midwest Food Bank.

A couple of things really stuck in my mind afterwards.

The first thing was how much fun it was. No, seriously.

I had a ton of fun doing a little manual labor with some other Mavideans. Hearing the stories from everyone and poking a little fun at each other really made a relatively boring task fun. Having a happy hour at the CornBelters afterwards was fun, but I can honestly say that I had more fun working at the food bank that night.

The second thing that struck me was how good it felt to do a little manual labor. I forget sometimes that a little manual labor for a good cause can really lift your spirits and remind just how alive and healthy you really are. Definitely left with an appreciation for my health and my ability to use it to help others in need.

The part that struck me the most was the size and the scope of the generosity represented there. While some of us are more worried about eating less and watching our waist lines, others are not so fortunate. Some families are worried about where their next meal is coming from. That is a stark reality in our society of affluence and abundance.

Being the eternal optimist (that I am trying to be) though, I didn’t think of this in a sad kind of way. I thought of it from the perspective of just how much is given to help others. While much can be said about the selfishness of our society and our need for improvement, the Midwest Food Bank represents the extreme generosity that is also represented in our society.

There are (literally) tons of pallets of food and toiletries in that place, just waiting for a good home. The amount of food and other stuff that has been donated and will go to other families is mind boggling.

I left feeling very thankful for living in such a society of generous, giving people that are willing to donate both time and material goods for the benefit of others.

I left with the realization that only when we give of ourselves do we really fulfill our true purpose in life.

Albert Einstein said when asked about the meaning of life, “Man is here to serve other men, nothing more.”

Last Friday, I caught just a glimpse of how truly wonderful this can be.

A big thank you to all those that volunteered. You truly made a difference for another last Friday.

Jake