When I worked with college students what seems like a lifetime ago, the start of the new school year was always the busiest time. We called it New Student Outreach and the goal was to get as many new students that wanted to be, connected to faith communities to a place where they could belong. All the extracurricular groups on grounds were doing the same things and students had their pick of activities and people to meet. But come the start of a new semester in January, we would begin again because for as many students that had found a group and a community, there were just as many that had not. There were still folks adrift, looking to find a place to belong long after the activity fairs were over.
I've been thinking about that quote by Plato that says, '‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.'‘ I look around and I see it as so many people I know and love are dealing with things they never thought they would have to. They are soldering on but their pain isn’t far from the surface. In the early days of the pandemic, I saw an old-school Toyota drive by, the car looked too small for its driver and the driver, the sole occupant of the car, had two hands on the wheel and was screaming into the windshield as he rode past. I could not hear his screams as the windows were up but I have carried that image with me every time I feel utterly thwarted by life. And much of the last 2 years have felt that way.
I have felt so grateful for the kind staff at The Continental-Manchester. They have greeted me with smiles and made me feel welcome, like I have a place to belong. They know my order and sometimes put it in before I even ask. They put up with my ridiculous need for extra ice. They know my name. The act of someone serving you nourishment is a kindness that feeds the soul as well as the body. And I am grateful for every act of kindness they have shown me. When I got the chance to gussy up their outdoor patio area and entrance I was thrilled for the opportunity to shower them with some flowers. SM
Here are some before shots:
After:
