Messengers

Do you ever get the feeling that someone's whole day or someone's whole purpose was to meet you and teach you something? That happened today--twice. I was just worrying about something again, being able to handle school, yada yada yada. It's what I do.

I was working at Moe's and the lunch rush was over. I only had one hour 'til quittin' time. This nice young lady comes into the store by herself. She doesn't look or act sophisticated, but is, in a word, meek. Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. I already like her. I let her know that I was ready to make her order, and, with the first kind words out of her mouth, I realize that her I.Q. can be no more than 60 (think about the functioning level of Forrest Gump). She asks me more questions than most customers, but, thankfully, we are slow, so I can take my time with her. She reminds me of my favorite students and all the special ed kids my mother has taught over the years.

I was oddly proud of her, asking me questions, telling me exactly what she wanted, answering questions appropriately and giving me the correct amount of change. I know someone out there reading this is thinking, "So what? I do that every day." However, I know from my teaching experience that it took her 4 or more years in high school to perform this type of transaction with no one's help. I think it was just God's way of saying that I can overcome my obstacles, too. That I can balance whatever comes my way.

Now, the next customer comes in, but not before one of my co-workers says, "There's another homeless guy coming in to beg for food." It actually happens frequently around the Moe's/Wal-Mart area. Apparently, there's a little homeless community in a nearby woodsy place. He is dirty, unshaven and nurses a bad leg. He is sunburned, but has bright, hopeful eyes. I couldn't understand half of what he said (in need of major dental work, also), but all he wanted was a cup of ice. The manager on duty told him where the ice was. A kind customer realized how badly off the man was and paid for his food. I was glad she did. He was so excited and grateful. We should all be the same way. It made me happy to see that compassion is alive and well.
Matthew 25: 35-36 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

I had just been thinking about some college expenses (again, worrying needlessly) and this man doesn't even have food. He's not even begging, just wants some water. Tells me he sells cans for money. Entirely possible that he's not mentally sound, as many homeless people aren't (but who is these days :) He wasn't worried about his next meal. You can make all kinds of speculations (he was begging, he's choosing to be homeless, he's trouble), but I just feel blessed that I have food every day and great health care (thank you, TriCare). I live in a house, and I'm about to pursue my 2nd degree, something only 25% of Americans have, much less other countries.
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

These two people reminded me that God is going to take care of me like He has all along. I have the gifts and resources AND support that I need in order to fulfill my dreams. I am truly blessed.