I saw him walking down the street towards the grocery store. He walked slowly and his pants were pulled up so that he socks showed his crocs and if a flood came he would be ok. He was silent as he walked just looking straight ahead. I passed him in our truck as he turned the corner seemingly to go into the store. I parked and quickly walked in, greeting the associate who was grilling hot dogs for the troops and charging two dollars for chips and a dog. They smelled good...the atmosphere was filled with delicious smells and people were friendly with Memorial Day upon us. I did my shopping, grabbing items for homemade ice cream and salsa and came back out. I walked with purpose back to our truck. I passed again the gentleman who had walked to the store, sitting. He was sitting in some adorandic chairs they had for sale and I wished him a happy Memorial Day. He said nothing, barely acknowledging me. I paused ever so slightly hearing the Lord nudge me. "Why don't you buy him lunch?" ..It's two dollars and he seems hungry. I wrestled with doing this. I'm not comfortable with helping or serving a guy I don't know and want to walk in wisdom. But I wanted to obey, I wanted to love well. He definitely wasn't asking for food, he was simply staring off at some unknown object across the parking lot. I placed my items in the car, then marching back into the store, I took take out $5. Walking back outside I asked if he would like a hot dog. He looked at me and shook his head, yes. He didn't speak, but shuffled over to the grill. I'm not sure what his name was, he didn't understand me when I asked, he might have said Nicholas. I paid for the small meal wished him again a happy Memorial Day and then left as the associate asked and re-asked what kind of chips he would like. As I pulled away from the store I found myself asking, who is taking care of that gentleman? He seemed alittle slow and was probably in his 60's or so. But I heard again that nudging, "I used you, today". I'm sure many others to take care of him because he is precious to the Saviour. Today, I listened to the Creator. I don't always know how to do that, but today I'm thankful I served that man. sich a simple two minute act of kindness...Love is kind we often say at our home. Happy Memorial Day, may we each listen and love much.
And kids I'm posting this today so that you know it's good and hard and difficult to hear the Holy Spirit. Your Daddy and I want to do it better. But I've seen you Katie, buy on a whim a Barbie doll for the young girl behind us just because you felt God wanted you too. You spent your own money to love her. You encourage me, sweet girl! And Owen I've seen you jump up and make Katie's bed just because you wanted to serve and be kind to her, knowing she doesn't like the chore.
Kids work hard to notice people they are God workmanship. Smile at them, give them a compliment, say hi, look them in the eye, thank them for working... These acts don't come easy, but with more and more practice we can love much to any of those around us, family, friends or strangers.
