The other day I passed a man holding the all too familiar sign. He was an older man, with a face that was worn and tired. My initial response was to drive by, and just keep my focus with where I was heading. Instead, I pulled over into a nearby parking lot, and sat for a few minutes watching this man. Several people stopped with money or bags of food. They seemed to know this man, and my sense was that they were taking care of him. It was an example of human kindness that I saw playing out right in front of me. I knew that I wanted to be part of this display of compassion, so I drove over to the man.
When the gentlemant approached my car I felt immediately compelled to ask him his story. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, "You want to know my story?" He then without hesitation began a shortened version of his life that was seemly full of heartache and disappointment. In the end I handed over the money I had in my hand and drove away.
Later when I inquired further about the man and found out he lives in an abandoned car wash, I felt sad. I thought of my family, my home, surrounded by my 'things' and thanked God. My next thought became a prayer. I prayed that I would never have a cold hardened heart when I saw people like this man, and that I would at the very least take time to pray for them, as I would want another to pray for me.
If we stop caring and turn a cold shoulder to those in need we will miss out on an opportunity to bring the Light into what may be a very dark night of the soul.
Isaiah 52:7 NLT How beautiful are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!