Walking into the neighborhood drug store tonight, I could see a gentleman sauntering toward me as I approached the front door.
I looked up from putting my keys in my pocket and made eye contact.
“Do you have some change?” he asked.
“No, I sure don’t,” I replied. I didn’t. My pockets were empty. But then I surprised myself.
“Do you need something?” I asked him, gesturing inside the store.
His eyes lit up. On the brink of yet another rejection, a glimmer of hope. He pondered for a moment, and then he said, “Milk, not chocolate…just regular, vitamin D milk.”
“You got it, I’ll be right back.”
Immediately, I wondered what else I could get for him. We’re talking about the neighborhood drug store, so there won’t be any hearty, dinnertime options. I picked up the medicine I had originally set out for, found some granola bars, the vitamin D milk and a Hershey bar.
I paid my bill and had his items packed into a separate bag. I walked outside and handed them to him, and I’m pretty sure the milk was gone before I had left the parking lot.
But then my heart sank as I drove off.
Why didn’t I recommend he seek out the local ministry I know at the church up the street?
Why didn’t I recommend the homeless ministry in town, one of the best in the nation?
Why, why, why not?
Driving away, I did the only thing left to do: I prayed for him. I prayed that with his now full stomach and a few snacks for the next day or so that God would direct his steps to somewhere he could get back on his feet.
I didn’t ask his name. I didn’t ask him anything about himself. All things I wish I had done.
I’ll remember next time.
How will you help the next person in need you encounter, more than just giving a hand out?
Aaron,
It’s a learning experience, but next time you might consider those options. One might start by introducing yourself and asking their name. Something so simple but I forget to do it myself. It means so much but something very simple. We are all people with a name.
Great post. Thanks for asking the questions.
Nelson,
Great thoughts. I suppose it’s good to have an experience like last night so I can remember things like your suggestions down the road. Hope to catch up again soon!
Great post. We can always do more, say more, be more. It is like the medical profession. They “practice” medicine. Not perfect, just hoping to get better. Same with life.