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Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Hunger (11/08/04)
TITLE: Hungry Eyes
By toronto49 Aird
11/14/04
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It was Thanksgiving Day. Everything was in its place. The plastic forks, knives, and spoons were neatly arranged on folding utility tables. From the kitchen, the aroma of perfectly oven roasted turkeys announced the main course. On paper plates turkey slices would be joined with fluffy mashed potatoes, green beans, turkey dressing, a golden brown dinner roll, butter, and gravy. And neatly arranged, row upon row, were tantalizing slices of pie lovingly prepared and made from every fruit imaginable. Looking over this accomplishment, by an army of volunteers, a tinge of pride was enjoyed briefly and with a sigh of relief, the signal was given to commence the feast. Yes, everything had come together nicely. It was time to usher in the guests.

The extended family members were transient men and homeless families with children. As each family member moved through the cafeteria style line one could not help but notice that each person was different as witnessed by their various shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and afflictions. All different and yet looking full into their face the common thread that bound them together was evident. They had hungry eyes. Listless eyes which reflected the hollowness and despair of their innermost being. Their eyes truly mirrored the starvation of their souls.

At that moment the powerful words from Mother Teresa shamed my heart when through her wisdom she stated, “The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” Mulling this truth over and over the consuming focus became the opportunity to nurture hungry eyes. This Thanksgiving dinner wasn’t about turkeys, or volunteers, or pies, or the media, or money, or the ministry, or any of these trappings. It was about humanity, warmth, and the serving of love through a Thanksgiving Day meal.

Suddenly the dining room was gloriously transformed into a grand cathedral. I became aware of a full feeding ministry that not only satisfied the physical hunger, but also provided nourishment to the soul. Engaging our guests in conversation, with a genuine interest in their lives, they spoke of unfulfilled hopes, dreams, and the consequences of misguided decisions. These survivors also shared about the tragedies of life that led to those choices. Hungry eyes became moist with tears as prayers were offered and embraces given. The love of God was demonstrated and was much sweeter than all the rows of fruit pies.

That Thanksgiving Day was different. Another course was added to the usual fare. Hungry eyes had been fed and it was glorious to see flickers of life return to lifeless eyes. A full Thanksgiving meal was served that fed not only the body, but the soul.