A few years ago, I had the honour to help out at one of Glasgow’s many soup kitchens. I say honour as that is what it was. It was an honour to be given a chance to serve and to enjoy the company of those who had need – whether it was for food or just the company of others.
It’s not often in life that we are afforded the chance to reach out to our neighbours in a practical way. However, when I mentioned to friends, I was going to help out at the soup kitchen on a Friday night, there was a silence, a look, and then, “Oh you’re brave.” That remark astounded me; gave me pause for thought. When I asked why they should think that no one actually came up with a reasonable reply. Their response was, “Good luck!” and “Rather you than me.”
Understanding homelessness
Failure to understand why someone is homeless, in poverty, or what their physical or mental needs are, can create fear and discomfort. Some may even feel that society is threatened by such things. Ironic, as it is our society that’s at the heart of many problems and so often fails those most in need.
Then again, perhaps it is even more fundamental. Perhaps we should understand that those in need could so easily be any one of us. A wrong turning in life can so easily lead us to a path we have no wish to take. It may be, that giving such people a second thought can frighten or prick our conscience. It is an uncomfortable situation to be in. We tend to push the sick, the lonely, the poor, the aged and the homeless out of our minds. But if we don’t banish these thoughts, it can give us an opportunity to take some positive action to help. Ignore them, and these issues will not go away – choosing ignorance doesn’t solve any issues.
Helping out
I think everyone should help out at a soup kitchen, or a place of refuge, at least once in their lifetime. Such an experience would open their eyes, as the people who come to such places are a mixture of our societies. They are simply us: father, mother, sister, brother, the unemployed, the doctor, the teacher, or an engineer. Like us, they have good and bad days, and must deal with issues relating to health, affordability, and happiness. Despite the traumas many of them have endured, I witnessed the best of humanity shining through each person I met.
Kindness and civility
At the kitchen, all waited patiently to be served, even assisting in setting up tables. The visitors helped each other, even giving up food to someone who had missed out. Anyone who was ‘out of sorts’ was given a few words of comfort or a gentle chastisement and was soon in a brighter spirit. I witnessed nothing but kindness and civility; something fading from our modern societies. Good manners may seem unimportant, but they are not just an outward display of gratitude: more importantly, they demonstrate self-respect and recognition of fellow beings. Conversations ranged from politics to football, some too deep for me to share in! All took time to share a joke and to enquire about each other’s wellbeing. Those who attended the soup kitchen had much to teach us about being ‘a caring society’.
Very rewarding
My limited experience left me with much to think about. I was given an insight into a behind-the-scenes activity often spoken about in whispers. But most of all, I was rewarded by the company of people who were friendly, kind, and courteous. People that some in society would like to ignore. I feel that I did very little for a big return. I was welcomed into a new community, enjoyed the camaraderie, and felt enlightened by it all.
Thank you for my soup kitchen experience.
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