One for the Cupboard 2021
One for the Cupboard 2021 - A season of reflection…
This Wednesday, February 17th is Ash Wednesday - and the first day of One for the Cupboard 2021.
One for the Cupboard, is a conduit for Canal Winchester Human Services Food Pantry. From Cornersmiths we collect food and monetary donations (one dollar or item at a time) and walk the collections each morning (Monday-Saturday) to 80 Covenant Way. (Checks can be written directly to Canal Winchester Human Services.) The trek there and back is just under a mile - rain, sleet and yes snow.
I have been looking at the weather for this coming week and assembling my snow attire. Each year we have had a couple doozy-days…and this year is promising to offer the same. Nonetheless, Im eager for the time of shared purpose, friendship and reflection.
This morning, before we have even taken our first steps, I am reflectioning…
A woman of small stature, but with gigantic wing-span, was the deepest inspiration for One for the Cupboard. On paper, her resume would have seemed meager; only an 8th grade education, never learning to drive, swim, or even ride a bike. In ill health in her youth, she was loved and nurtured by young parents who were just learning the ropes of their new country. But…she was given gifts that would expand her territory much past her credentials. In all her time nested at home she learned to cook from her mamma - and was blessed with the wisdom of hospitality garnished by watching her ebullient papa welcome all transients - including “hobos” searching for food and comfort.
From her tiny perch, she began assembling flocks of friends- eagerly gathering in her roost where she would readily share all of her creations; requiring nothing of them but a return of her Tupperware.
This same girl - became my mom…and she starting sharing little seeds of life with me, that have become nourishment for my soul.
Each Ash Wednesday she would call me and before I could hear her say, “Hi honey.”, I could hear dicing or chopping in the background. “Remember, don’t eat meat today.”
“OK Mom - thanks for reminding me.” Smiling to myself (as I have been a non-meat eater since I was 20 years old-in other words decades).
So, this Ash Wednesday her voice and message will be clear in my thoughts, even though my phone won’t ring, as it hasn’t for the past 13 years. Yet, her sounds and reminders are nested in my memories - a calling, of sorts, to keep her legacy going…
I recently pulled up the definition of “reflection” in the dictionary and was surprisingly reminded of several definitions of the word. I was coming from the wheel-house of it meaning, “Serious thought or consideration”. For this morning…I’m going to start with that notion. Please give serious thought and consideration to joining us as we assemble each early morning at 7:30 - 1 South High Street, Canal Winchester - to help nourish and sustain those who might need us to open our wings.
The Cupboard walk will start Ash Wednesday and go through Saturday, April 3rd (the day before Easter). Please join us at anytime…
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs (NIV) 27:19