Once a month, I get a craving for cinnamon that I just can't quench. I saw an ad for McDonald's that they have cinnamon melts or something like that name...anyway, I drove over there on my way to work this morning. The drive through was crowded so I figured it would be faster for me to go inside. I got in the line and as I was moving forward a homeless man cut in front of me. My first reaction was fear to confront him so I didn't. As he waited his turn in line he kept counting his money and pulling on his shirt as if to make him look better. He had a tank top on that once was white and cream colored pants...they were very wet on the bottom because of the rain. Slippers on his feet. As he got to the counter to order the girl taking the order glared at him and with barely noticing him took the order and moved to fill his order to get him out of the store. While he waited on his order to be filled he went over to the drink area and grabbed some napkins to clean his feet. The manager was up in arms and the looks being thrown to him were horrible. (Not that I am validating him cleaning his feet at the drink counter) When his order was ready, he went up to the counter and very politely said "thank you very much ma'am." This elicited no response from the cashier. She just wanted him out of the store. I felt horrible for this man. Who knows what plight in life brought him down to the depth that he was in. Why are we all (myself included) so quick to judge. I kept thinking of the story that goes around on the internet about the man with the dirty shoes who goes into church and is treated so badly because his shoes are dirty....I work here with the food pantry. I must say that I see the system taken advantage of and often we are asked for other things to help people with. We do what we can.
About two weeks ago, a young homeless girl came in with her three children. Ages 1, 2 and 3. She was a victim of spousal abuse and was waiting on the housing list for something to come available. When she came into my office, I talked to her a little and she reminded me of my daughter Jaci. (Not that Jarred would ever hit her or put her out on the street, I am blessed and relieved to know that he will always take care of her). Just the youngness of her, the three little ones and not sure what to do about the tire that had the metal coming out of it since that was their home right now. The church replaced the tires and I went shopping. I picked up a lot of food for her and the kids. I probably will never see her again but it gave me a wonderful feeling to know that she was for one day able to relax and not worry about if they would have food to eat or if the wheel would hold out for her. I pray for her. That she will get housing and begin to make a new life for her and her children.
Well, not sure why I had to say all that or if I even drew any conclusions but, it was weighing on me and just had to be said.
But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.Matthew 19:29-30
One last happier note: In 9 more days my sister will be out here to meet Jarred and Jaci's babies. I can't wait for her to meet them. Most of all, I can't wait to spend time with her. Our phone conversations just don't cut it. Also, on Monday Joe's cousin Vicki will be here. She took care of Justin and I when Justin was born and Joe was deployed. We stayed with her for about the first 5 months of Justin's life. She is a wonderful person and another one whose has not gotten to meet my sister. I can't wait for them to meet.
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