Today was a very busy day at Manna House. Volunteer turnout was lower than usual, while the line of people in need seemed to be never-ending. Naturally, the gratitude expressed by those who were served overflowed and was overwhelming at times. Summers in Alabama can be hot and humid, so these are the moments when the needs of the impoverished increase.

One recipient of food items told a Sai youth that he would pray for them out of sheer gratitude! A lady drenched in sweat, who was a heavy smoker with only one functioning lung, was especially grateful for the cold water she was offered. She had suffered through a harsh existence due to poverty and dependence on public housing. The youth saw Bhagawan in her, and hoped that, in some way, she and others would see the same in them. Even if people, including children, did not always receive what they wanted, the majority were invariably grateful even for the attempts made to procure those items. A few gentlemen happily discussed how fortunate they were to be given foods that they had not tasted since they were children.

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Today was a day during which love pervaded the whole facility. Volunteers cared more for one another than usual. Old friends were reacquainted. Perhaps the heat brought everyone closer together but on closer examination, it was truly Bhagawan’s Love. He continues to soften frozen hearts like butter in a hot pan.