Slowing Down

I first found out about FrancisCorps at the Year of Service Fair at my school. I was immediately drawn to the purple and pink colors of the booth and admittedly, the cute stickers Jenny Rose was handing out. I put the sticker of Saint Francis and Saint Clare on my computer and spent the next few months thinking about what I would be doing post graduation. Second semester of my junior year of college, I studied abroad in Italy and got to know St. Francis and St. Clare more. I felt moved by an answered prayer at the Basilica of Saint Clare to take FrancisCorps more seriously. The Holy Spirit placed it on my heart that this year was the right choice.

Working at the food pantry and soup kitchen has taught me so much in these past three months. While it has flown by, I have already learned so much. I’m learning how to ask for help when I need it, find joy in small moments, and slow down in the chaos.

For me, slowing down in the chaos can look different depending on the day. Maybe it means a task gets finished a little later than expected, but I got to have a conversation with a volunteer or someone at the soup kitchen window. Maybe slowing down looks like putting a little extra care into the food I am preparing. Or maybe it means I put trust into those around me willing to help.

When I look into the faces of those who come to the Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen, I see Jesus and his unconditional love. I am reminded everyday that we are all children of God and we are loved beyond our comprehension. I know the rest of this year at the food pantry has so much in store for me.

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