Encounter with the homeless

I went by the shelter yesterday to talk to the assistant director about the upcoming season, and our schedule to serve.
Outside, I ran into one of the guests that is a regular.  She is someone I knew outside of the shelter before she became homeless.  She is a pretty woman, and if seen away from the shelter, one would not guess that she suffers from homelessness.  In talking to her, she told me she was returning after being refused admittance for a period of time due to violation of shelter rules. She lamented that she felt the shelter was not always the nicest place to stay.  I replied with empathy that although not perfect, it was much better than other alternatives.  She agreed.  I told her that those of us who volunteer there, cannot fully appreciate what their (the homeless) lives endure.  I assured her that in spite of that, we are there wholeheartedly doing what we can to make their stay as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
(It's the best that I can do, and I do it with the guidance of my creator).
Not wanting to sound like a broken record, experiences like this remind me how blessed and lucky I am to be where I am at this point in life.