He wore a stained grey sweatsuit and he approached the counter slowly. Scrapping together some change he ordered a hot coffee and a couple sandwiches. His head hung straight to the ground.
With order in hand he slowly made his way to a corner booth. He spread out his belongings. The time passing didn’t matter, minutes and hours were all the same. He had no social engagements or important meetings.
On my way to work the next morning I saw him laying on a concrete wall nearby. Glancing under the brim of his cap I saw that which I had been previously forbidden to see. His dark eyes seemed lonely and howl. I felt a flood of compassion and had to stifle back the tears.
I ask God often to use me for his glory. To lead me to people that need him, that need hope and to give me the words to say in those situations. When I saw this man sitting there I knew I wanted to talk to him. I was unsure how to show him Jesus, but I thought of how relational Jesus is to me. Genuinely caring for others is a great way to share the love of Jesus.
Walking home from work I saw Tony sitting at the bus stop. I was afraid to approach him at first, but I knew that I must, if even for my own curiosities stake. I said hello and woke him from his afternoon slumber. He was startled at first but I told him I knew him from McDonalds, and I just wanted to ask how he was doing.
After that there was no pressure, he held the conversation well. We talked about McDonald’s and how they were doing in the stock market. Then moved along to where I grew up and my future plans to go on the World Race. He also shared with me that he is a veteran, he served for 15 years, in Vietnam and Desert Storm. With graditude I thanked him for serving our country. He told me about a summer vacation that he took upstate, his description was like a fairy tale. He explained to me how rabbits hopped about the lawn in the mornings and the deer that would eat out of his hand. We spoke for about 45 minutes before he told me he needed to make a phone call. I needed to get going as well and we parted ways.
I was filled with an overwhelming joy as I walked home. I couldn’t help but to think that God has truly given me a beautiful life. Spending time with a complete stranger took boldness and courage that only God could give me. In being obedient to share his love with this stranger God blessed me as well.
