 Matt Collamer After passing the homeless soul that morning, I was not able to get much accomplished at work, as I was consumed by the homeless soul. I continued to pray about it, wrote about it, talked to a co-worker about it, hoping the co-worker would
come with me during lunch, but declined. I prayed for strength, guidance and clarity as well as a way out of this situation. By the time lunch was here, I again, grabbed my shoulder bag with the food snack and headed through the park, heart pumping, knees weak and the flood of emotions weighing me down. Then just as I was nearing the bench with the man I see daily and about to freak-out, no, already freaking-out, he was not there and a flood of relief swept over me. Still shaken up, I proceeded to my car and just sat in silence while again, asking for the courage to approach, meet and give this man a little bag of food. Round two, same scenario, I leave the parking garage and head to the office building, with just a little more courage and as I approached the bench, the homeless soul was not there, and this time the rush of relief was accompanied by a rush of disappointment as I thought I was ready to reach out to him; then out of nowhere, the man appeared and my heart stopped. Our eyes met, I said hi and asked if he would like something to eat. His eyes got big, his smile bigger as he said “yes”. His name is Al and has been homeless for most of his life. He described the park where he lived and the dangers night fall brings. He also told me I did not know the blessing the little bag of food meant to him. Am I still nervous passing a homeless soul? Do I always have the money or still lie about having no money on me? Do I always have food or water for those in need? No and this most likely will not change. What has started to change is I see the homeless souls a little differently, in that they are real with real feelings and real needs. They are children of God, just as you and I. So my lesson is, the homeless souls will not bite me and no, I cannot help them all, but one smile, one bottle of water one portion of food will and does go a long way. Dear Mother Creator Father God, Oh Lord, thank you for being with me, providing the courage and ability to reach out away from myself and Lord, please continue to keep and bless those in need and prompt those who are able to assist, to get out of themselves and assist where needed. In your many names. Amen Philippians 4:13 NIV I can do all this through him who gives me strength. |