Today I was given a most unusual
opportunity for service. While loading borrowed tables for a yard sale, I was
approached at the door of my church by a strange woman who had appeared out of
nowhere. She had seen the cars and moved on the opportunity to ask for
help. It was obvious from her smell that
she had not bathed in some time, yet her skin was not dirty and the clothes she
wore looked clean. She explained her plight but my mind was hearing the words
through the filter of a skeptic.
As she spoke, I began to feel an unsettling
in my abdomen. I knew she was about to ask me for money and I was not in any
mental state to entertain questions. I was busy. Too busy to even think up
excuses for why I had no money or who I could refer her to for charity. Her
most immediate need was money for gas.
I continued with the task at hand and told
her the only thing I could do at the time was go with her and get some cash
from my bank. She agreed without hesitation. I could tell by the sneer on the
face of my companions that they doubted her sincerity and truthfulness. Yet,
something in that small voice I call a conscience told me to listen. Trust my
inner feeling. Open up my heart.
I decided to take a chance. My mind began to
overflow with questions and thoughts. What if that were my Matt, homeless and
hungry, even if it was because of his own actions? Would someone take a chance
on him? If everything really is a gift from God, why am I so hesitant to give
money to a total stranger? Would God want me to feed his sheep even if they
were drug addicts?
Shaking from the emotional stress I
pulled into the service station. A simple thought had changed my course of
action. I explained that I only had a credit card, but I would buy them gas and
a meal. She agreed and pulled next to the pump. After purchasing the gas, I
invited them to meet me at the Dairy Queen.
I waited briefly in the parking lot,
contemplating my actions. When they pulled up all 3, yes 3, got out. I knew
without a doubt I had to pray with these strangers. I had to go one step
farther than simple charity. I had to tell them that God loves them unconditionally.
As I stepped up to the counter, I told
the young man that these were God's guests. They had approached me with a need
and I was going to feed them. His response was heartwarming. He said not many
people do that now days, so he was going to give me his employee discount. His
gesture was assurance that I had made the right choice.
We sat down to wait on the meal and
I seized the moment. I reassured them that regardless of the reason they were
where they are today, God loves them. I prayed for their deliverance from these
circumstances and I thanked God for giving me the opportunity to be His hands
and feet.
Having a son in prison has changed
my perspective on people and really life in general. Hardships have a way of
molding our character, of bringing us closer to God, our Creator and Protector.
For those of us who try, we can see others a little more through His eyes and
less through our own. If we look
closely, we just might see a glimpse of His Glory. Better yet, we just might
get to BE a part of His Glory.
