On Sunday, we arrived in North Carolina and set up camp. I have learned so far that tenting in North Carolina is much much colder than tenting in Georgia. While it is a bit chilly at night, I am grateful for my sleeping bag and a tent buddy to keep the tent warmer. Before leaving, I was a bit sad to miss fall, my favorite season. I love the cooler temperatures, jeans and sweaters, and the beautiful leaves as they change colors and fall off the trees. I am so excited to be in North Carolina to watch the leaves change and enjoy the cooler weather, even if I have a limited fall wardrobe. 

Yesterday was our very first day of ministry! It was so exciting to be able to serve with my team. We walked from camp to a conference center where we had a lot of fun. We were there from 9 to 4, and most of the day, we polished silverware and glasses. It was a bit of a mindless task, but we got to know one another better as we talked and sang Disney songs. 

While polishing silverware for hours on end is not what most would consider fun, we had fun and were happy to help. Like most everywhere, the conference center is very understaffed. They have been preparing to cater the largest meal they have ever catered. Throughout the day, we had the chance to talk with the head of catering several times. She informed us that our time polishing the silverware prevented their staff from staying up until 2 or 3 in the morning doing it. 

As I was polishing my 637th fork, I thought, Will these people eating appreciate having a shiny fork? The chances are, no, no, they will not. Serving is not about recognition but about following the example of Christ. If Jesus could die on the cross to serve mankind, I can polish silverware to serve the conference center staff. 

Additionally, I will now appreciate eating off of a shiny fork because I know that there was someone who sat and polished the silverware so that I could have a shiny fork. As we serve, we grow in appreciation for the small details and are grateful for the people who did the work without recognition. There is always something to be grateful for, even a simple shiny fork.