Her sweet Tennessee accent sliced through the falling snow flurries and background sounds of hustling cars eager to get home on a cold Columbus evening.  Our group stood on the side of the road, shivering together, and handing warmly packed meals and blankets to our friends.  Her name was Vicky.  She was originally from Nashville and this winter was my first time meeting her.

Vicky explained that she and her husband had fallen on rough times.  The loss of jobs and other unfortunate happenings had left them on the streets as winter drew closer each day.  The search to secure new jobs became an even bigger challenge with limited transportation and their newly homeless status.  After weeks living on the streets, her husband has now secured a part-time job; providing just enough funds to afford them a nightly motel and temporary space to call home.  100% of their income was going toward this immediate shelter need, hence Vicky huddling on the streets to receive a meal.

As the steam from each cold breath hovered between us, Vicky giggled with such innocence as she shared with me, “My husband and I feel so lucky because we know there are a lot more people out here in worse situations than us.  We’re very fortunate.”  Her words were immersed in gratitude.

That night, as I pulled my cozy comforter overtop of me in my warm bed, Vicky’s words had me listing all of the things I have to be thankful for right now in life.  Thanksgiving had arrived a week early.  I wondered, what would it mean for the other 364 days of the year if we could begin each day with that same Thanksgiving gratitude?  I look forward to trying.

Thank you, Vicky.

“I have come so you may have life, and have it abundantly.” – John: 10:10

Jason Barger is an 11-time Amor Mission Trip leader who has connected over 1700 people to build 120 houses in Mexico. As the former Director of Camp Akita in Ohio, he designed and implemented programs for over 1900 kids a summer centered on faith, love, service and leadership. Jason’s experience with servant-leadership led him to the creation of First Community Church’s Streets Mission Project to serve the homeless of Columbus, Ohio as well as mission trips to the Casa Hogar Sion Orphanage in Tijuana and the Village Mountain Mission project in the Dominican Republic. Jason is the author of the book Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Change the World, Start at the Airport and spends most of his time today serving, writing, speaking and consulting for organizations looking to bring about positive change. Jason, his wonderful wife, Amy, and their two sons, Will and Benton, currently live in Columbus, Ohio. To connect with Jason, please visit www.stepbackfromthebaggageclaim.com