"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares". (Hebrews 13:2)


 I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a homeless person. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times." "I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.

After a few minutes he spoke. "That's a very pretty car," he said. He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly white beard kept more than his face warm. I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car. He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice. "Do you need any help?" I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke  three words that hit me like a bolt of lighting. "Don't we all?".  I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three little words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun. Don't we all? I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep. I gave him enough money to get a warm meal and shelter for the day.

Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, we still need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it's just a compliment. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was and  angel sent by God, to minister to someone too comfortable in themselves. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a homeless person, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."

Don't We  All?

"A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place, but a seed to be planted and to bear more seed "... (John Anthony Ciardi)



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