Programmed in Our DNA

On Thursday evenings I volunteer at the local food pantry for a couple of hours. The first time I went, about a month and a half ago, I was expecting to help out about once or twice every couple of months – no real big commitment. Though I was only able to help for an hour that first night, I was deeply touched by the service the food pantry provided for my community. We never really realize how much a simple action can impact the life of another person. The food pantry soon became my home every Thursday night. I find myself excited to get to Thursday’s, knowing that those mere two hours I’ll spend at the food pantry will be the best part of my week. Last Thursday though, I almost didn’t go. I had a test to study for, and my head was telling me to stay home and study. But my heart was telling me otherwise. It said, “GO! GO! GO!” It’s like a longing to serve others was programmed into my DNA. I couldn’t fight the feeling, and ended up going to the food pantry anyways. The evenings I spend at the food pantry aren’t community service hours for me to put on college applications, or to brag about to my friends. It’s a time for me to serve my God and His people. It’s a time to reflect on the many blessings in life and to make a difference in this world. It’s a time to let Jesus shine His light through me.