A Canned Food Extravaganza

Using What We Have Cultivated for the Blessing of Others

Many years ago, we invited twenty or so of our closest friends to our house. We did not tell them what we were planning. Once everyone arrived, we gathered in our kitchen. I formed five teams and gave them the instructions.

"My wife and I are going to stay with all of your young kids," I announced. I know what you are thinking at this point. You imagine that Jenny and I sent these couples off on a date while we watched their little ones. While I appreciate you thinking of us as servants, that is not what we instructed them to do. "Your team has one hour to collect as many canned food items as possible. The only rule is that you cannot use your own money. Everything else within the constraints of the law is permissible."

They were not helping Jenny and me store up for the winter. We wanted to find a quick, impactful way to help our local food pantry before the holidays.

As the hour ended, we greeted the teams outside. While each team had a different strategy, their results were staggering. One team called family and friends and had them send money via a money app. They then used the money to buy mountains of canned food. Another team contacted a grocery store manager, told him what we were doing, and asked if they would donate. The manager graciously gave an entire pallet of canned goods. Other teams raided their own home's food supply, while others went door to door. After all was said and done, my friends collected over 2500 cans of food in an hour.

We have spent the last ten months together talking about our individual spiritual lives and cultivating something more generative. We have also talked about how this kind of life affects how we relate to one another. The thing I have learned time and again is that those two truths actually strengthen each other. When I lovingly serve and give to others, I am filled up even more. It is an astounding fact of life. I would even go so far as to say that when you don't feel like you are cultivating anything generative in your life, the best place to start is by giving and serving others.

Question

1. As we prepare for this season of thanksgiving, how might you creatively serve others in your community?

Peace,

Brandon