I had a moment this morning and wanted to share it with you.
We are up in Edmonton for the Alberta Missions Fest and I left our hotel early and headed to Tim Horton’s for a hot beverage and some down time.
It is wicked cold today with the wind chill and about 4 inches of snow. I sat nestled in the corner in my nice down jacket and a guy walked in and sat at a table close by. We are in a sketchy area of downtown and he definitely fit the undesirable category.
I watched sipping my large drink as he tried to warm himself with his tiny little coffee. He kept putting his hands under his legs to try and warm himself. He was even shaking some. He did have a touque but I don’t think he had gloves.
It struck me that I should buy him something for his belly. I looked up and the line was really long at the till. I thought, hmm there is a girl cleaning tables. Maybe I could give her the money. I thought about how inconvenient it would be for me to wait and thought about getting up and leaving. Then I was reminded of a person example one of our pastor's used in a message a few weeks back. He shared about having opportunities to reach out but how his fear kept him from doing it. I appreciated those words because I was ready to walk.
I went and got in line. I was surprised how quickly it actually moved. I ordered the sandwich and took it to him. I said “you looked cold and I thought you could use something to warm your belly”. I could barely look at him. I am not sure why. He said thank you (which was all I needed to hear). As I was walking away I glanced back over my shoulder and he had a smile on his face.
I had to walk back seven blocks in the cold and snow. I cried the whole way and all I could think of wasn’t the sandwich I gave him but why didn’t I give him by gloves. In my selfishness all I could say was I needed them.
I am so human…at God’s prompting I acted but then I held back. He has so much more work to do in me.
I absolutely am not sharing this because I want to be acknowledge but rather because I want to encourage you to act when you feel His leading. Even more, don't be like me and just give the shirt of your back. Give your coat and if necessary your boots too.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40
I still have tears in my eyes now. I can't help but think of this man's freezing cold hands. Please pray for him and pray for me.
